C85

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Delayed Exchange

Key moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4

The Open Variation of the Ruy Lopez is a sharp, tactical approach where Black captures the e4 pawn. It leads to open positions with active piece play for both sides.

History & Notable Players

A classical response that has been popular since the 19th century. It offers Black dynamic play in exchange for some structural weaknesses.

Best Games

Caruana,F vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
13th Norway Chess 2025 • 2025★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs So,W1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Ding Liren1/2-1/2
WCh 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Giri,A vs Ding Liren1-0
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2021★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Aronian,L0-1
73rd Tata Steel GMA • 2011★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
18th Amber Rapid • 2009★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Leko,P1-0
18th Amber Rapid • 2009★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Kramnik,V1-0
Amber Blindfold • 2002★ Notable
Sutovsky,E vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Tiviakov, Sergei vs Adams, Michael1-0
PCA-Wch Candidats m1 • 1994★ Notable
Tiviakov, Sergei vs Adams, Michael1/2-1/2
PCA-Wch Candidats m1 playoff • 1994★ Notable
Anand, Viswanathan vs Short, Nigel D1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1991★ Notable
Duda,J vs Keymer,Vincent1-0
World Blitz 2025 • 2025
McShane,L vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
15th London Classic Elite • 2025
Caruana,F vs Carlsen,M0-1
Clutch Chess: Champions • 2025
Grischuk,A vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Titled Tue 30th Sep 2025 • 2025
Aronian,L vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
FIDE World Bl Team Pool B • 2025
Anand,V vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
FIDE World Bl Team Pool B • 2025
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Svidler,P1-0
Karpov Cup - 50 years • 2025
Grischuk,A vs Svidler,P1-0
Karpov Cup - 50 years • 2025

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