The Ruy Lopez: What It Is and How to Use It in Chess

June 30, 2026

Chess openings: What is the Ruy Lopez?

Learn how to use the Ruy Lopez to level up your game!

Learning openings requires understanding chess notation, the system for naming pieces and moves. Get a refresher on chess notation here!

The Ruy Lopez is also known as the Spanish Game.
It is named for a Spanish priest, Ruy López de Segura, and was first seen in a manuscript from the late 1400s, making it one of the oldest chess openings ever recorded.
A favorite at the elite level and played in countless world champion matches, this is one of the most analyzed chess openings in history, with some lines studied over 30 moves deep!
It’s complex, rich in strategy, and often leads to slower, maneuvering middlegames.

Here are the moves for the Ruy Lopez:

If you want to dive deep into opening theory and outstudy your opponents in a slow, solid, positional game, play the Ruy Lopez.

If you’re looking for more openings, check out our guide featuring over 30 options for every skill level!