Ruy Lopez: Bulgarian Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a5

ECO C60

The Ruy Lopez: Bulgarian Variation is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a5.

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

The defining move a5 is chosen by Black on move 3.

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.