Opening· 10 plies

Ruy Lopez: Open

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C80), reached after 10 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4.

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About this opening

Ruy Lopez: Open is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C80. ECO group C (C00–C99) covers open games (1.e4 e5) and the French Defence, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Scotch and King's Gambit. This particular variation is reached after 10 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4.

It belongs to the Ruy Lopez family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Open line).

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.Bb5 a6, 4.Ba4 Nf6, 5.O-O Nxe4. From this position 3 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.