This Opening, invented by the Spaniard Ruy Lopez in the sixteenth century,
is still resorted to in tournaments and matches, where caution and safety
are essential. Instead of developing the Bishop to Q B 4 with the intention
of an attack upon Black's weakest point--viz., the K B P, White plays 3. B
to Q Kt 5, threatening 4. B takes Kt, and 5. Kt takes P. In answer to 3. B
to Kt 5, Black may play 3. ... P to Q R 3; 3. ... K Kt to B 3 (best); 3.
... K Kt to K 2 (not so good); 3. ... B to B 4; 3. ... Kt to Q 5 (not to be
recommended); 3. ... P to Q 3 (a safe, but dull defence); 3. ... P to B 4
(risky); and 3. ... P to K Kt 3, the latter involving the development of
the K B to Kt 2.
White's replies are, in answer to 3. ... P to Q R 3; 4. B takes Kt; or 4. B
to R 4. And in answer to 3. ... Kt to B 3; 4. Kt to B 3; 4. P to Q 3; 4. Q
to K 2; 4. P to Q 4, or 4. Castles. {378}
The main defences are 3. ... P to Q R 3, and 3. ... Kt to B 3. The latter
is to be preferred; for to a certain extent the White Bishop is not in such
a favourable position at Kt 5 as at R 4; it should, therefore, not be
driven into a better one.
WHITE. BLACK.
1. P to K 4 1. P to K 4
2. Kt to K B 3 2. Kt to Q B 3
3. B to Kt 5
These moves complete the Ruy Lopez Opening.
... 3. P to Q R 3
4. B to R 4 ...
White could here temporarily win a pawn with 4. B takes Kt, Q P takes
B, 5. Kt takes P. But 5. ... Q to Q 5 wins it back for Black; it is,
therefore, useless to exchange the powerful King's Bishop.
... 4. Kt to B 3
5. P to Q 3 5. P to Q 3
This is the quietest form of the Lopez and may be adopted with safety.
6. Kt to B 3 6. B to Q 2
7. Castles 7. B to K 2
8. P to Q 4 8. P to Q Kt 4
9. P takes P 9. Q Kt takes P
10. Kt takes Kt 10. P takes Kt
11. B to Kt 3 11. Castles
12. B to Kt 5 12. P to Q R 4
A good move, as it anticipates White's advance of the Q R P, and thus
renders the Queen's side safe.
13. B takes Kt 13. B takes B
14. P to Q R 4 14. P to Kt 5
It would be bad to play here 14. ... P takes P, {379} because it not only
would give White an open Rook's file, but also _isolate_ Black's R P and Q
B P, a weakness from which he could not recover against the best play.
Neither side has so far gained any material advantage.