The Ruy Lopez for White - an Introduction ~ Attack The King

Let's start with the following famous moves:

1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5

Three moves, and we reach a position that carries a famous name behind it, the name of Rodrigo (Ruy) López de Segura. The Ruy Lopez (or Spanish Game, as it' s often called) is a simple opening, with a simple idea . White's second and third moves have both increased the pressure on the centre, and in particular the e5-square. Give or take a few developing moves , the next stage of White's plan is to take control of the centre and increase the pressure on e5 with the advance d4, which is often supported by c3. It may be a simple enough plan, but it can be highly effective. Because of this, the Ruy Lopez has stood the test of time . Other openings come and go, drifting in and out of fashion, but the Lopez has always been a popular choice for all levels of player, from novice to World Champion, and it will continue to be.

Mobile and Little Centres

If Black buckles under the pressure and relinquishes the centre with ...exd4, then depending on whether White has played c3 or not, White either obtains a Mobile Centre or a Little Centre, either of which is generally favourable to the one in possession.

This is the Mobile Centre. The pair of central pawns on e4 and d4 control many important squares and give White a space advantage plus more freedom of movement for his pieces. In addition, White has the option of creating a central breakthrough with a timely e5. This thrust could provide a platform for a successful attack on the black king.

The following diagram shows the Little Centre.

This pawn structure is less dangerous for Black than the previous one , but it still favours White. The pawn on e4 is more advanced than Black's central d6-pawn, which once again means that White has more space to move his pieces. Added to this is that White also has control over the important d5- and f5-squares.

How Does Black React?

Of course Black has many different possible defences against the Lopez, but in general there are two different types of strategy. The first is to meet White's d4 advance by bolstering the e5-pawn with pawns and pieces. This plan is seen in all the closed defences, the Classical Variation, the Deferred Steinitz and the trendy Meller and Arkhangelsk Variations.

Black's second strategy revolves around a swift counterattack against White's e4-pawn. This is seen in lines such as the sharp Schliemann Variation, the Berlin Defence and the Open Lopez.

A Real Opening

As a junior player you might be quite content to play openings such as the Vienna Game, the King's Gambit and the Scotch Gambit, obtaining quick victories against the unsuspecting opponents who did not know their theory.

However, as time will progress and your opponents will become more experienced, your repertoire of tricky openings just won't work any more. No one will fall for your traps, and often all you will be left with is a sterile equality, or something even worse.

This was exactly the case with John Emms! In 1989, Emms appeared in the British Championship for the fourth time. Keen to make more of an impression than on his previous undistinguished attempts, he vowed that as White he would give up his 'baby openings', take a deep breath and try the Ruy Lopez. After all, it was time he grew up! His chance came in round 9, when he was paired with Scotland's top player Paul Motwani, who was a seasoned 1...e5 player. The experience for him was quite enlightening!"

So friends, does that stir something inside you? Well, this is just the begining. We will now study one by one, all the defences and counter-attacks Black can offer in reply and we will see how White can benefit from all of them!

Keep visiting and keep reading! From my next post onwards, we will travel the jungles of different variations of Ruy Lopez. Thank you. Enjoy!

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