Ruy Lopez: Why Do So Many Pros Play It? (Complete Guide)

The Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5) is one of the oldest and most respected openings in chess. Known as the “Spanish Game,” it has been a favorite of world champions like Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, and Magnus Carlsen. But why do so many elite players rely on it, and what makes it so powerful?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore:
✔ Why the Ruy Lopez dominates professional chess
✔ Key strategic ideas that make it so strong
✔ The most popular variations (Closed, Open, Berlin Defense)
✔ How grandmasters exploit its positional nuances
✔ Famous games that showcase its brilliance

Let’s dive in!

1. What Is the Ruy Lopez?

The Ruy Lopez begins with:

e4 e5 (classical king’s pawn opening)
Nf3 Nc6 (both sides develop knights)
Bb5 (the defining move – pins the knight to the king)

Why It’s Called the “Spanish Game”

Named after 16th-century Spanish priest Ruy López de Segura, who analyzed it in one of the first chess books.

Why Do Pros Love It?

✅ Positional depth – Rich in strategic plans.
✅ Flexibility – Can lead to both sharp and slow positions.
✅ Endgame advantages – Often gives White a lasting edge.

2. Why the Ruy Lopez Is So Popular Among GMs

A. It’s Universally Respected

Played in ~10% of all master-level games after 1.e4 e5.
Considered one of the most sound 1.e4 openings.

B. It’s Highly Adaptable

Can be played aggressively (Marshall Attack) or positionally (Closed Ruy Lopez).
Works against almost any Black setup.

C. It’s a Weapon for All Playing Styles

✔ Attacking players use the Open Ruy Lopez.
✔ Positional grinders prefer the Closed Ruy Lopez.
✔ Endgame specialists love the Berlin Defense.

D. It’s Been Refined for Centuries

Studied by every world champion from Steinitz to Carlsen.
Still evolving with new ideas in top-level play.

3. Key Strategic Ideas in the Ruy Lopez

1. The Pin on Nc6

3.Bb5 pressures the knight, forcing Black to react.
Black’s main options: 3…a6, 3…Nf6, or 3…Bc5.

2. Central Control

White often follows up with c3, d4, and 0-0.
Black fights back with …d6, …f5, or …exd4.

3. The “Spanish Bishop”

After 3…a6 4.Ba4, White’s bishop stays active on the a4-e8 diagonal.
Can later retreat to b3 or c2 to support the center.

4. Pawn Structure Plans

✔ White: May push d4 or f4 for central expansion.
✔ Black: Often plays …b5, …d5, or …f5 for counterplay.

4. Most Popular Ruy Lopez Variations in GM Play

1. Closed Ruy Lopez (3…a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7)

Win Rate (GM Level): 36% White, 48% Draw, 16% Black
Key Ideas:
✔ Slow, strategic maneuvering.
✔ Often leads to the Chigorin or Breyer Variations.
✔ Used by Karpov and Carlsen for positional squeezes.

2. Open Ruy Lopez (3…a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Nxe4)

Win Rate (GM Level): 38% White, 45% Draw, 17% Black
Key Ideas:
✔ Black grabs the e4 pawn but must defend carefully.
✔ Leads to sharp, tactical play.
✔ Favored by Kasparov in his prime.

3. Berlin Defense (3…Nf6)

Win Rate (GM Level): 32% White, 56% Draw, 12% Black
Key Ideas:
✔ The “Berlin Wall” – ultra-solid for Black.
✔ Often leads to endgame battles (e.g., Kramnik vs. Kasparov 2000).
✔ Used by Carlsen to neutralize 1.e4.

4. Marshall Attack (3…a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d5!?)

Win Rate (GM Level): 34% White, 50% Draw, 16% Black
Key Ideas:
✔ A pawn sacrifice for dynamic play.
✔ Requires precise calculation from both sides.

5. How GMs Exploit the Ruy Lopez’s Strengths

A. Long-Term Pressure

White often maintains a small but enduring edge.
Example: Carlsen’s grinding wins in the Berlin endgame.

B. Tactical Opportunities

The Open Ruy Lopez and Marshall Attack lead to fireworks.
Example: Kasparov’s brilliant attacks in the 1980s-90s.

C. Endgame Superiority

Many lines lead to favorable endgames for White.
Example: Karpov’s legendary technique.

6. Famous Ruy Lopez Games by Pros

1. Karpov vs. Korchnoi (1974)

A masterclass in the Closed Ruy Lopez.

2. Kasparov vs. Topalov (1999)

The “Kasparov’s Immortal” game featured a stunning queen sacrifice.

3. Carlsen vs. Caruana (2018 World Championship)

Carlsen used the Berlin Defense to neutralize Caruana’s 1.e4.

7. Is the Ruy Lopez Still Effective Today?

✅ Yes! It remains a top-tier choice because:
✔ It’s flexible (suits all styles).
✔ It’s theoretically sound (no easy refutation).
✔ It’s rich in ideas (never gets boring).

❌ But: Some modern GMs prefer 1.d4 to avoid the Berlin.

8. Should You Play the Ruy Lopez?

✔ For GMs/advanced players: A must-have in your repertoire.
✔ For club players: Great for learning strategy and tactics.
✔ For beginners: Best studied after mastering simpler openings.