The Ruy Lopez: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... 9.Qe2 arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.Qe2 and falls under ECO code C81. With 11,862 Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a specialized opening choice.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Ruy Lopez: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... Nxe4. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Vlastimil Jansa (19 games), Milan Matulovic (16 games), Borislav Ivkov (8 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Karoly Honfi (11 games), Viktor Korchnoi (11 games), Wolfgang Unzicker (8 games).
Statistics
Based on 11,862 Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 50.5%
- Black wins: 40.6%
- Draws: 8.9%
White holds a moderate edge statistically, though Black has good practical chances.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Ruy Lopez: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... 9.Qe2 is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents from any opening or custom position. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.
