Ruy Lopez: Move by Move

Synopsis

Grandmaster Neil McDonald examines one of the most important openings of all, the Ruy Lopez. He shares his experience and knowledge, and continually challenges the reader to answer probing questions, thereby encouraging the learning and practising of vital opening skills.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Ruy Lopez Main Line

* Definition and history of the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening)
* Move sequence and key ideas: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5

Real Example:

White: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
Black: 3...a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. c3 d6

Black defends against White's early attack and prepares for f7-f5.

Chapter 2: The Berlin Defense

* Variation that prevents White's early f7-f5 push
* Move sequence: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4

Real Example:

White: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4
Black: 5...d6 6. d3 Bg4 7. Bg5 h6 8. Bh4 g5 9. Bg3 Bxf3 10. Qxf3

Black equalizes after the sacrifice on e4.

Chapter 3: The Steinitz Defense

* Another attempt by Black to prevent f7-f5
* Move sequence: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7

Real Example:

White: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7
Black: 6...d6 7. Re1 O-O 8. c3 d5 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5

White obtains a space advantage and central control.

Chapter 4: The Exchange Variation

* Black exchanges on e4, forcing White to choose between two main lines
* Move sequence: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 Nxe4 9. Bxc6

Real Example:

White: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7
Black: 6...d6 7. Re1 b5 8. Bb3 dxc6 9. d3 O-O 10. h3 Bb7

White controls the e4 square and aims for f2-f4.

Chapter 5: The Deferred Jaenisch Gambit

* An aggressive line where White sacrifices a pawn for quick development
* Move sequence: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 Nxe4 9. d4

Real Example:

White: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7
Black: 6...d6 7. Re1 b5 8. Bb3 dxc6 9. d4 exd4 10. Nxd4 Bg4

White gains a strong center and attacking chances.