Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5

ECO C64

The Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5.

It is catalogued under code C64 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bc5 is chosen by Black on move 3.

7 named continuations branch from this position, including the Central Variation and the Charousek Variation.

Named variations

• Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Central Variation — ECO C64
• Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Charousek Variation — ECO C64
• Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Cordel Gambit — ECO C64
• Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Konikowski Gambit — ECO C64
• Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Modern Main Line — ECO C64
• Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Spanish Wing Gambit — ECO C64
• Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Zukertort Gambit — ECO C65

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.