Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Semi-Duras Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6 4.d4 Bd7 5.c4

ECO C62

The Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Semi-Duras Variation is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6 4.d4 Bd7 5.c4.

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

The defining move c4 is chosen by White on move 5.

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.