The Ruy Lopez, Closed Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... 9.h3 arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d6 9.h3 and falls under ECO code C92. With 799,178 Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a well-established opening choice.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Ruy Lopez, Closed Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... d6. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Vlastimil Jansa (110 games), Mikhail Tal (105 games), Alexei Shirov (83 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Svetozar Gligoric (193 games), Oleg M Romanishin (144 games), Alexander G Beliavsky (117 games).
Statistics
Based on 799,178 Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 50.5%
- Black wins: 43.5%
- Draws: 5.9%
White holds a moderate edge statistically, though Black has good practical chances.
Main Lines and Variations
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d6 9.h3, 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.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d6 9.h3 h6
- 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 0-0 8.c3 d6 9.h3 Nb8
- 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 0-0 8.c3 d6 9.h3 Na5 10.Bc2
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: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... 9.h3 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.
