C60–C99 Open games

Ruy Lopez

White pressures the e5 pawn indirectly while building a durable central advantage.

Best for

Players who enjoy strategic pressure, patient maneuvering, and rich middlegames.

Study map

Start with one line, then add nearby branches.

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01Ruy LopezC60 · 3 movesnew02Ruy Lopez: Alapin DefenseC60 · 3 movesnew03Ruy Lopez: Brentano GambitC60 · 3 movesnew04Ruy Lopez: Bulgarian VariationC60 · 3 movesnew05Ruy Lopez: Cozio DefenseC60 · 3 movesnew

Browse all 234 lines

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Closed53 lines
Morphy Defense39 lines
Open33 lines
Berlin Defense31 lines
Exchange Variation10 lines
Schliemann Defense9 lines
Classical Variation8 lines
Marshall Attack8 lines
Steinitz Defense5 lines

Mix the variations

Practice changing book replies after you know at least 2 lines.

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White's plan

  1. 01 Support e4 with Re1.
  2. 02 Prepare c3 and d4.
  3. 03 Reroute the b1 knight through d2 to f1 and g3 when the center stays closed.

Black's plan

  1. 01 Question the bishop with ...a6.
  2. 02 Prepare ...b5 and ...d6 without neglecting development.
  3. 03 Use ...c5 or ...d5 to challenge White's center.

Position fingerprint

The squares that explain the opening

e5 is the early target. d4 and d5 are the central breaks, while f5 often becomes a kingside outpost.

Keep the position healthy

Practical habits

  • Keep the e4 pawn defended before opening the center.
  • Create luft or connect the rooks before a long maneuvering phase.