Ruy Lopez

The Ruy Lopez, sometimes known as the Spanish Game, is a chess opening characterised by the moves (in algebraic notation):

History

The opening is named after the 16th century Spanish priest Rúy López de Segura (pronounced ROOee LOpeth). He made a systematic study of this and other openings in the 150-page book on chess Librio del Ajedrez written in 1561 (which also included some more esoteric and unfair suggestions, such as setting up the board so the sun shines in one's opponent's eyes). However, although it is named after him, this particular opening was known earlier; it is included in the Göttingen manuscript, which dates from 1490. Popular use of the Ruy Lopez opening did not develop, however, until the mid-1800s when Jaenisch, a Russian theoretician, "rediscovered" its potential. The opening is still in active use as the double king's pawn opening most commonly used in master play; it has been adopted by almost all players at some point in their careers and many play it from both the white and black sides.

Related Topics:
Rúy López de Segura - 1561 - Göttingen - 1490 - 1800s - Jaenisch

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