C76

Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, Fianchetto Variation

Key moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

The Ruy Lopez is one of the oldest and most classic chess openings. White develops the bishop to b5, putting indirect pressure on the e5 pawn through the knight on c6. It leads to rich strategic positions with deep plans for both sides.

History & Notable Players

Named after the 16th-century Spanish priest Ruy López de Segura. It has been a cornerstone of chess opening theory for over 500 years and remains one of the most popular openings at all levels.

Best Games

Navara,D vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
78th Tata Steel GpA • 2016★ Notable
Geller, Efim P vs Smyslov, Vassily1/2-1/2
Wch Seniors • 1991★ Notable
Qi Jingxuan vs Spassky, Boris V0-1
WchT • 1985★ Notable
Larsen, Bent vs Bronstein, David I1/2-1/2
Portoroz Interzonal • 1958★ Notable
Bogoljubow, Efim vs Alekhine, Alexander0-1
World Championship 14th • 1929★ Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Carlsen,M0-1
Bullet Chess Winners 2023 • 2023
Ivanchuk,V vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
C'Chartres Rapid&Blitz m • 2020
Tutisani,Noe vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
43rd Olympiad 2018 • 2018
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
World Rapid 2017 • 2017
Ivanchuk,V vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
2nd IMSA Blitz 2017 • 2017
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
Eurasian Blitz Chess Cup • 2016
Topalov,V vs Carlsen,M0-1
4th Norway Blitz 2016 • 2016
Navara,D vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
IMSA Blitz 2016 • 2016
Ponomariov,R vs Mamedyarov,S0-1
IMSA Blitz 2016 • 2016
Adams,Mi vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
Vugar Gashimov Mem 2015 • 2015
Caruana,F vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Makedonia Palace GP • 2013
Carlsen,M vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
World Rapid Final • 2012
Carlsen,M vs Svidler,P1-0
Aker CC Blitz • 2009
Morozevich,A vs Mamedyarov,S1-0
IV World Blitz • 2008
Adams,Mi vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
Corus A • 2008

Explore More

All OpeningsAll Players