How to beat the Ruy Lopez (Spanish)

The classic 1.e4 e5 opening: White puts slow pressure on e5 and plays a long strategic game. It's theory-heavy, so club players often know only the first few moves.

Three plans that work

1. Pick one reliable defence

The Berlin (3...Nf6) is the most solid. The Morphy lines with 3...a6 are richer. Either way, learn one system well.

2. Play ...a6 and ...b5 to kick the bishop

It gains queenside space and takes the pressure off e5.

3. Fight for d4 and f4

Black's best pieces land on d4 and f4. Steer the game towards them.

A line to play

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7

The pitfall

Passive play leads to a slow squeeze. Have a pawn break (...d5 or ...f5) in mind.

What the data says

In 64 recent games of the top 100 titled Lichess players featuring the Ruy Lopez (Spanish), they scored 58% on average. Players who use it most: GM Sigma_Tauri (47%), IM Kostik_Mostik (58%), GM Riadovoi_jam (41%), FM Tuzakli_Egitim (88%), GM Molt7n (64%), GM tjychess (75%).

Prepare against the actual player

Averages only go so far. A Ruy Lopez (Spanish) player has their own pet variations and weak spots. Before your next game, get a free fingerprint of your opponent, or get the full prep report ($5): every variation they play, where they score worst, and a game plan for both colours.