Ruy Lopez: Open, Classical Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.c3 Be7

ECO C83

The Ruy Lopez: Open, Classical Defense is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.c3 Be7.

It is catalogued under code C83 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Be7 is chosen by Black on move 9.

One named continuation branches from this position: the Main Line.

Named variations

• Ruy Lopez: Open, Classical Defense, Main Line — ECO C83

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Marshall Attack 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.