C69

Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Alapin Gambit

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

Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Caruana,F1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2025 • 2025★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Gukesh,D1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2025 • 2025★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Tanenbaum,Zachary1-0
PNWCC Super G60 Feb Gp1 • 2021★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Tanenbaum,Zachary1/2-1/2
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 21 • 2021★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2018★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2018★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Aronian,L0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2018★ Notable
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Baku FIDE Grand Prix 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Carlsen,M0-1
Sinquefield Cup 2013 • 2013★ Notable
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Beliavsky,A1/2-1/2
40th Olympiad Open • 2012★ Notable
Leko,P vs Morozevich,A1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial • 2008★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
WCh • 2007★ Notable
Kasimdzhanov,R vs Grischuk,A1-0
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Beliavsky, Alexander G0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Topalov, Veselin1-0
Linares 14th • 1997★ Notable
Shirov, Alexei vs Adams, Michael1-0
Tilburg Fontys • 1996★ Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Beliavsky, Alexander G1-0
Linares • 1988★ Notable
Gdanski, Jacek vs Anand, Viswanathan0-1
Wch U20 • 1987★ Notable
Balshan, Amikam vs Karpov, Anatoly1/2-1/2
WchT U26 • 1972★ Notable
Fischer, Robert James vs Spassky, Boris V1/2-1/2
World Championship 28th • 1972★ Notable

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