Theory
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 pins nothing yet, but it sets up a persistent question: how does Black solve the pressure this bishop puts on the knight defending e5? The main line, 3…a6 4.Ba4 Nf6, is the Morphy Defence, and it’s been the top-level battleground for over a century.
The Ruy Lopez sits in the C60–C99 range and rewards patient, positional players. Unlike sharper e4 openings, the fight here is usually about maneuvering — the Closed Ruy Lopez in particular can go 15+ moves before either side takes a real risk.
Model Games
Karpov’s Closed Ruy Lopez games are the clearest teaching material available: watch how he uses the c3-d4 pawn duo and knight reroutes (Nb1-d2-f1-g3) to slowly improve his position without forcing anything. This is opening theory as long-term planning, not memorised tactics.
Practice Positions
Set up the main line after 9…Na5 10.Bc2 c5, the Chigorin Variation tabiya. Practice identifying which side benefits from an eventual d4-d5 pawn push and why the knight on a5 needs to reroute quickly.