Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6

ECO C62

The Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6.

It is catalogued under code C62 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move d6 is chosen by Black on move 3.

3 named continuations branch from this position, including the Center Gambit and the Nimzowitsch Attack.

Named variations

• Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Center Gambit — ECO C62
• Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Nimzowitsch Attack — ECO C62
• Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Semi-Duras Variation — ECO C62

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.