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Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation: Chapter 1.1 Introduction

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Chapter 1.1 Introduction

The Ruy Lopez, or the Spanish Game, is one of the most common openings at all levels, is the most popular way to play 1. e4, e5 at master level,  and is one of the oldest known chess openings of all time. The Ruy Lopez begins with

1. e4, e5, 2. Nf3, Nf6, 3. Bb5

The move Bb5 indirectly attacks the e5 pawn by threatening to take the knight and then take the e5 pawn. However, it is well known that the pawn cannot be taken, because after

3. Bb5, a6 4. Bxc6, dxc6, 5. Nxe5, Qd4,

the queen forks the knight and the pawn, and after

6. Nf3, Qxe4+, 7. Qe2, Qxe2+, 8. Kxe2

the white king is unable to castle, and black has emerged with a better position.

If white can't win the pawn, then what is the point of the exchange variation? Well, in the Exchange
Variation, white gets a lead in development, as well as fast development. If black plays too passively,
white will also try to place two pawns in the centre. Otherwise, white will defend the e4 pawn with d3.

After black recaptures, white usually castles kingside.

After 5. O-O, black has multiple ways to play. 5... f6, 5... Bg4, 5... Qd6, and 5... Bd6. 5... f6, the Gligoric Variation, will be covered in the next chapter, Chapter 1.2 Gligoric Variation.