In fact, you might be right 'echecs06' because a life devoted to 'quiet meditation' possibly leads to 'clearer thought' for 'higher ideals'!!, Thanks for your comment, much appreciated.
Ruy Lopez : Just a Priest or a Chess Genius? Your Opinion!
Sort:
paulgottlieb wrote:
It's almost impossible to assess the skill and genius of players from so long ago. Very few of their games survive, and of the ones that do survive, it's often not clear whether we're seeing an actual game or an instructive game made up to illustrate a point. Another problem is that these strong players rarely played each other, and organized tournaments were so rare that we can't compare their strength. Certainly Ruy Lopez was one of the first players to write extensively about the game, so he was the teacher to generations.
I've always admired Ruy Lopez's advice to "always place your opponent so that the sun is in his eyes," but I've found it difficult to implement in tournament practice
You are right, the question I posed was allegorical, just to get some 'feedback' from the site, and as regards the 'sun in your opponents eyes'!! Obviously you chose the wrong chair!!
Well. What can i say? Fine complex opening. 
Nice one Ruy!!
I play the Ruy Lopez very rarely, because with White after 1.e4 e5 I usually continue 2.Bc4, and with Black after 1.e4 - 1...c5, 1...c6, 1...g6, 1...Nf6. But I think the Ruy Lopez is a good opening because it is somewhat sharper and more "accurate" than many of the 1.e4 e5 openings. I usually don't go for summetrical pawn structures as I think they can spoil much of the play and counterplay if you are not familiar with them, but the Ruy Lopez gives many attacking opportunities to both sides because of its more "tactical" nature early on.
Bishops Opening as White and the Sicillian as Black!! I shall remember that if we ever get to play!! Thanks for your input Glex.
Ruy lopez is cool
Hi folks
The Ruy Lopez!
What is your opinion of 16th century Spanish priest Ruy Lopez de Segura, who made a systematic study of this and other openings in the 150-page book on chess Libro del Ajedrez written in 1561, Though it bears his name, this particular opening was included in the Gottingen Manuscript, which dates from around 1490. Popular use of the Ruy Lopez opening did not develop, however, until the mid-19th century when Carl Jaenisch, a Russian theoretician, "rediscovered" its potential. The opening remains the most commonly used amongst the 'open games' in master play; it has been adopted by almost all players during their careers, many of whom have played it with both colours. Due to the difficulty imposed on Black's player, and the fact that Lopez was a priest during the Inquisition, a common nickname for the opening is "The Spanish Torture".but do you think he was a genius? What is your opinion of the opening?