Spanish opening-Ruy Lopez

In chess, the Spanish opening or Ruy López opening is called the chess opening that arises after the following movements (in algebraic notation):

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

It is an open opening and is known as the Ruy López opening, because it was the Spanish chess player Ruy López de Segura who popularized it in the 16th century. It has been the subject of much analysis by game theorists and its variants are numerous.

In general, it is considered to give the white pieces a light and lasting advantage.