Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bb4

ECO C60

The Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bb4.

It is catalogued under code C60 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bb4 is chosen by Black on move 3.

One named continuation branches from this position: the Alapin Gambit.

Named variations

• Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense, Alapin Gambit — ECO C60

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Beat the Ruy Lopez course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.