C62 · Open · a plan for White

Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Center Gambit

9/9
1.e4e52.Nf3Nc63.Bb5d64.d4exd45.O-O
Live databaseLichess 1600–2000 · blitz + rapid
Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Center Gambit24k games · Black to move
MoveWhite / draw / BlackPlayedGamesScore
64%15k40%
13%3.0k43%
11%2.6k40%
5.1%1.2k35%
4.4%1.0k44%
1.2%29143%
0.6%13834%
0.6%13634%
0.4%9537%
0.1%2528%
Famous games in this line1 master games
Postler, Reinhard (2285)Schuettig, Ruediger (2240)2001½–½
Family
Ruy Lopez
Category
Open
First move
1.e4
ECO
C62
Line
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 exd4 5. O-O
GambitClassical
Read the guide: Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening)Explore all 234 Ruy Lopez lines
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From the archives

Ruy López de Segura was a 16th-century Spanish priest whose 1561 book systematized 3.Bb5 — alongside advice like seating your opponent facing the sun. The 'Spanish torture' has been a world-championship battleground from Steinitz to Carlsen: slow pressure, forever.

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