C99

Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense, Panov System

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

Topalov,V vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
20th Amber Rapid • 2011★ Notable
Anand,V vs Ivanchuk,V1/2-1/2
20th Amber Blindfold • 2011★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
19th Amber Blindfold • 2010★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Shirov,A1/2-1/2
Tal Memorial • 2006★ Notable
Kotronias,V vs Shirov,A0-1
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Almasi,Z vs Kasimdzhanov,R0-1
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Kobalia,M0-1
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Leko, Peter vs Adams, Michael1-0
Tilburg Fontys • 1998★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Beliavsky, Alexander G1-0
Tilburg • 1992★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Ivanchuk, Vassily0-1
WchT • 1989★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Reshevsky, Samuel Herman1/2-1/2
World Championship 18th • 1948★ Notable
Vachier Lagrave,M vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Blitz 2023 • 2023
Ivanchuk,V vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
16th TCh-RUS Premier • 2009
Caruana,F vs Mecking,H1-0
Corus B • 2009
Leko,P vs Akopian,Vl1/2-1/2
FIDE Grand Prix • 2008
Ivanchuk,V vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
Pearl Spring • 2008
Svidler,P vs Akopian,Vl1/2-1/2
38th Olympiad • 2008
Caruana,F vs Kobese,W1/2-1/2
38th Olympiad • 2008
Shirov,A vs Kasimdzhanov,R1/2-1/2
22nd ECU Club Cup • 2006
Hou Yifan vs Kovalevskaya,E1-0
37th Olympiad w • 2006

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