The Ruy Lopez
The oldest and richest 1.e4 opening: develop, pressure e5 with the Spanish bishop, and build a classical centre before you strike.
The practical plan
White develops with pressure on e5, castles quickly and usually prepares c3 followed by d4. The bishop on b5 is valuable because it influences the centre even when it does not win the e5-pawn immediately.
Typical pawn structure
Many main lines produce a closed centre with White expanding on the kingside and Black seeking queenside counterplay. Piece manoeuvres matter more than early pawn grabbing.
A common mistake to avoid
Do not assume Bxc6 wins e5: Black often recaptures with the d-pawn and can defend the centre tactically. Preserve the bishop unless the structural concession serves a clear plan.
Step through the main line
The lines
Closed Main Line
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4
The Berlin Defence
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8
The Exchange Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O f6 6. d4 exd4 7. Nxd4 c5 8. Nb3 Qxd1 9. Rxd1
The Møller (...Bc5)
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Bc5 6. c3 O-O 7. d4 Bb6 8. Bg5
vs the Steinitz (...d6)
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 Bd7 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. O-O Be7 7. Re1 exd4 8. Nxd4
How this guide is made: the lines and explanations come from the authored Strong Squares repertoire curriculum. Automated checks verify legal move sequences and required teaching fields. Independent chess-editor approval remains a private-preview release gate. Read the teaching method.