C68

Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation

Key moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

The Ruy Lopez is one of the oldest and most classic chess openings. White develops the bishop to b5, putting indirect pressure on the e5 pawn through the knight on c6. It leads to rich strategic positions with deep plans for both sides.

History & Notable Players

Named after the 16th-century Spanish priest Ruy López de Segura. It has been a cornerstone of chess opening theory for over 500 years and remains one of the most popular openings at all levels.

Best Games

Leko,P vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Shirov,A1-0
37th Olympiad • 2006★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Kazhgaleyev,M0-1
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Adams,Mi1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Vescovi, Giovanni vs Kasimdzhanov, Rustam1-0
Wch U18 • 1996★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Ivanchuk, Vassily1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1994★ Notable
Ponomariov, Ruslan vs Azarov, Sergei1-0
Wch U12 • 1994★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Beliavsky, Alexander G0-1
Tilburg • 1986★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Spassky, Boris V0-1
Tilburg • 1978★ Notable
Petrosian, Tigran V vs Geller, Efim P1/2-1/2
Gothenburg Interzonal • 1955★ Notable
Lasker, Emanuel vs Janowsky, Dawid Markelowicz1-0
World Championship 9th • 1909★ Notable
Lasker, Emanuel vs Janowsky, Dawid Markelowicz1-0
World Championship 9th • 1909★ Notable
Lasker, Emanuel vs Tarrasch, Siegbert1-0
World Championship 8th • 1908★ Notable
Lasker, Emanuel vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 6th • 1896★ Notable
Lasker, Emanuel vs Steinitz, William1-0
World Championship 6th • 1896★ Notable
Lasker, Emanuel vs Steinitz, William0-1
World Championship 5th • 1894★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
American Cup Champ • 2024
Mamedyarov,S vs Svidler,P1-0
World Blitz • 2009
Cuartas,Ja vs Leko,P0-1
38th Olympiad • 2008

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