The Ruy Lopez, Closed Defence arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 and falls under ECO code C84. With 2.4 million Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a well-established opening choice.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Ruy Lopez: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... 5.0-0. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Viswanathan Anand (186 games), Vlastimil Jansa (152 games), Mikhail Tal (141 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Svetozar Gligoric (259 games), Oleg M Romanishin (245 games), Alexander G Beliavsky (202 games).
Statistics
Based on 2.4 million Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 47.9%
- Black wins: 46.3%
- Draws: 5.8%
The statistics show a roughly balanced opening where both sides have equal chances.
Main Lines and Variations
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7, the main continuations include:
- Ruy Lopez, Closed Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Qe2
- Ruy Lopez, Closed Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Bxc6 dxc6
- Ruy Lopez, Closed Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 d6
- Ruy Lopez, Closed Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3
Each of these lines leads to distinct types of positions and requires its own understanding of the resulting pawn structures and piece placements.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Ruy Lopez, Closed Defence 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.
