The Ruy Lopez, also called the Spanish Game (ECO C60), arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. The bishop steps to b5 and attacks the knight on c6, which defends the central pawn on e5 - White puts pressure on Black's central prop immediately.
It is one of the most respected and deeply studied openings there is, leading to a long strategic struggle in which pawn structure, manoeuvring and control of the centre all count. Black has to solve the problem of the pressure on e5 accurately.
The Spanish has been played at the top level for centuries - from Steinitz and Capablanca to Carlsen. The wealth of plans for both sides made it the benchmark of the classical approach to the opening.
Set it up on the board, move the pieces around and copy the FEN - or open the full walkthrough of the opening in a separate article.
Drag a piece onto the board, or click a piece and then click the squares. The cross beside the pieces sweeps every piece of that colour off the board, and a single piece can be dragged off the edge.
The pieces will be arranged into the chosen pattern.
It is the mating side to move. Find mate in one.
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