C72

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Kecskemet 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

Dominguez Perez,L vs Caruana,F0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2022 • 2022★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Mamedyarov,S1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Praggnanandhaa,R1-0
GCT Finals 2025 • 2025
Caruana,F vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
SuperUnited CRO Blitz 2025 • 2025
Giri,A vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
SuperUnited CRO Rapid 2025 • 2025
Carlsen,M vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2023 • 2023
Carlsen,M vs Nakamura,Hi1/2-1/2
chess.com SpeedChess 2023 • 2023
Carlsen,M vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2023 • 2023
Carlsen,M vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
chess.com SpeedChess 2023 • 2023
Vidit,S vs Praggnanandhaa,R1-0
Tata Steel IND Blitz Open • 2023
Kaasen,Tor Fredrik vs Praggnanandhaa,R1/2-1/2
Norway Chess Open A 2022 • 2022
Vachier Lagrave,M vs Rapport,R1/2-1/2
FIDE Grand Prix 2 Playoff • 2022
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Caruana,F0-1
Chess.com Rapid Wk4 Swiss • 2022
Karjakin,Sergey vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
World Blitz 2021 • 2021
Anand,V vs Caruana,F0-1
7th Gashimov Mem Blitz • 2021
Ivanchuk,V vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
C'Chartres Rapid&Blitz m • 2020
Ivanchuk,V vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
C'Chartres Rapid&Blitz m • 2020
Firouzja,Alireza vs Carlsen,M0-1
World Blitz 2019 • 2019
Duda,J vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
chess.com Speed 2019 • 2019
Duda,J vs Nakamura,Hi0-1
chess.com Speed 2019 • 2019

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