Opening moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5. One of the most deeply studied and strategic openings. White pressures the c6 knight (defender of e5), aiming for central control and long\u2018term positional pressure.
Named after the 16th-century Spanish priest Ruy López de Segura, this opening teaches center control, development, pawn structure, and planning. Typical White plans include c3—d4, Re1, and maneuvering Nbd2—f1—g3.
Black's main choices: Morphy (3...a6) leading to Closed/Open systems, the ultra\u2018solid Berlin (3...Nf6), the Exchange (4.Bxc6), the sharp Schliemann (3...f5), and classical sidelines like Steinitz, Cozio, Bird, and Classical (3...Bc5).