Chess Openings: Ruy Lopez | Ideas, Theory, and Attacking Plans

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In this video lesson, GM Igor Smirnov teaches you the Ruy Lopez chess opening (also known as the Spanish Game or the Spanish Opening), its opening theory, general ideas, attacking plans, and more. It starts with the opening moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5.
It is one of the most popular chess openings and has been played by all the top players including Magnus Carlsen, Garry Kasparov, Vishy Anand, Bobby Fischer, etc. It is a classical and powerful chess opening that serves well from beginners to advanced level players. It is evergreen and has never been refuted.
However, a lot of beginner and intermediate level players are intimidated by the seemingly complex nature of this opening. That's why GM Smirnov breaks it down and explains the opening in the simplest way possible, so that you can understand the main concept of the opening instead of just memorizing the moves without understanding the logic behind it.
▬▬▬▬▬▬
► Chapters
00:00 Ruy Lopez Chess Opening Theory
00:44 Basic ideas in Ruy Lopez for White
02:45 Why centralize pieces, control the center?
06:02 Morphy Defense: 3...a6
07:45 Key idea: Typical pawn structure
10:52 2 prophylactic moves: c3 & h3
12:50 Black's mainline: Chigorin variation
14:30 Understand the logic, don't just memorize
14:47 Transitioning to the attack!
17:35 Most common questions from students
19:04 Marshall Attack by Black
20:37 Stats: Black's more wins in Marshall Attack
21:36 Berlin Defense: 3...Nf6
23:05 Does GM Smirnov recommend Berlin Defense?
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#IgorNation #RuyLopez #ChessOpenings

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

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[@ogirdoronilag9750]

☹️pp ☹️

[@ogirdoronilag9750]

🌞

[@ogirdoronilag9750]

😋😋😋

[@ogirdoronilag9750]

😖😖

[@ogirdoronilag9750]

😎😎😎

[@PostTraumaticChessDisorder]

3:54 I'm listening with headphones and that door knock almost made me choke on my donut

[@grubygrzib6308]

I was playing this since I started playing chess, even without knowing any theory, these first three moves seemed the most logical to me. It's insane to now know that there's so much depth into this opening.

[@arkakoukos1]

You are incredible, the only one who gave me a deep understanding of every movement of the opening, upload more videos with openings we need it, keep up the amazing work!!!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Wow, thank you!

[@josephsalmonte4995]

I've always stayed away from this opening. Even though I've seen everyone from Magnus to beginners win with it. I'll give it a go thanks. 🙂

[@gurgleblaster2282]

What's awesome is how old this opening is and how good it is.

[@johnlloyddy7016]

Lol, this is probably the first opening I learned as a kid and the only one I tend to use everytime I play. I'm just a casual player and only play for fun with friends so this is my go to opening move everytime. I've tried the Queen's opening and even tried Capablanca's opening in one occasion against a really good player just to mess with him, but my skills are not that good and I always end up playing myself into a corner with those, so I just go back to the always reliable Ruy Lopez opening next game. I do get lucky most of the time since after I develop most pieces I just go for the kill and capture as many high pieces as fast as I can and try to turn it into a numbers game, usually sacrificing my queen for the opponent's queen the first chance I get, since most casual players rely on it too much and panic when they lose it. Against competent players however, this usually ends up in disaster for me. 😀😊😁

[@GTBSBE1111]

its a good opening in overall, you can trick people

[@TacoosGaming]

I just did it and didn't know what it was so I just looked it up

[@GabrielLopez-we6yn]

So which opening do you use then

[@shootdasmm]

I gotta say I like the pacing of this video then most of your other tutorials. You did an amazing job of thoroughly explaining the why's, much appreciated!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Awesome, thank you!

[@cmnyc3493]

Than

[@WildeWolfe7370]

I have played 1 game of chess with a human in real life. I got a political set for a gift so I figured I should know how to play. Found you and free kids chess app Your videos help so much. Year's of experience in small doses. Thank you!!

[@enricoriccardi5583]

Thank you Igor so much for this! This video explains really well why each move is done in that particular moment. I would definitely try this in place of the usual Italian game. 👍

[@roeydaz]

As a slightly advanced beginner this is the only king side opening I have spent any time studying and learnt about. It’s slight complexity teaches a lot about a chess opening. I use this most of the time.

[@yelpxr9483]

i’m a advanced beginner too. i’ll give it a go!

[@sandroC.]

what elo is advanced beginner tho

[@roeydaz]

@@sandroC. 800?

[@ofeliavillegas905]

@@yelpxr9483 wait a minute biginner but advance 🤔

[@kenzithomson208]

​@@sandroC. about 900-1100

[@bhumanyusingh6819]

When i was about 700 elo I learnt a few and basic lines of ruy lopez and i remember gotham chess made a video about openings that you should never play and the ruy lopez opening was in there because of that whenever I used to play a match with ruy lopez nobody actually knew how to defend against it or what to do as they did not expect me to okay that opening and ruy lopez helped me very much to get to 1200 elo and I still use it

[@Zarl451]

Great video Igor, I've been trying to learn about the Ruy Lopez as a relatively chess newbie and this was massively helpful

[@Mr5022840]

Great work as always Sir Igor, please upload more videos on openings...we always look forward to that

[@lukastux3024]

Fantastic introduction to the Ruy Lopez! And the editing at 11:10 was brilliant! :D And the most important part: it was not only funny, but educational: WE WILL NOT FORGET THIS now anymore!!!

[@ReachingHigher001]

A Super Saiyan Bishop.

[@road_to_gm123]

I really like how you explain some of the moves, like why the pawn isn't really hanging, shows how experienced you are at coaching, best chess KZbin channel ❤

[@baturkey]

This is the best opening tutorial video I've watched on here. Other videos move too fast so I have to pause and go back a lot but you explained everything clearly step by step

[@sp33d3r1]

You do an amazing job explaining everything without rushing. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

► Chapters 00:00 Ruy Lopez Chess Opening Theory 00:44 Basic ideas in Ruy Lopez for White 02:45 Why centralize pieces, control the center? 06:02 Morphy Defense: 3...a6 07:45 Key idea: Typical pawn structure 10:52 2 prophylactic moves: c3 & h3 12:50 Black's mainline: Chigorin variation 14:30 Understand the logic, don't just memorize 14:47 Transitioning to the attack! 17:35 Most common questions from students 19:04 Marshall Attack by Black 20:37 Stats: Black's more wins in Marshall Attack 21:36 Berlin Defense: 3...Nf6 23:05 Does GM Smirnov recommend Berlin Defense?

[@suleimanalmustafa5044]

This is a very useful and straightforward explanation of Ruy Lopez. Thank you so much

[@stevenc.5113]

I’m just getting back into chess again. This was always one of my favorite openings and I never knew it’s name at all. Can’t wait to play it again.

[@fabriziolorito]

The best explanation of the Ruy Lopez I have seen so far!

[@aclif0316]

That cat in the background is absolutely zonked

[@alexmatei22222]

14:50, yes, this is the best way to learn a chess opening and I really appreciate this video a lot, not just random robotic moves,but also the explanation behind the moves. Thank you very much!

[@destrytennea]

I’ve always thought this opening was too tricky to understand. But you explained it clearly with great lucidity and articulacy. Thanks

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Great to hear!

[@sumantakumardutta986]

Thank you so much sir for this comprehensive guide on playing the Ruy Lopez 🙏😀❤️

[@user-zr4ju2uc8c]

Thanks #Igor Smirnov, you are helping me understand chess more in depth and I have been winning many more games than I ever have. I'm learning openings more clearly than before and have been using the skills you've taught me to help build better openings and pawn structures

[@user-gy8ff8xl2l]

When I was first introduced to chess at 3, this was the first opening my dad showed me and it is always my favorite, thanks for this great breakdown!

[@CheesyV1676]

The cat in the background 🐈🐈🐈

[@tommcmichael8679]

Thanks! Good description! Helpful.

[@Kaprosik]

thank you very much that you did this video it really helped me win more games with white at tournaments.

[@sv7073]

This is the best explanation of an opening that I've ever seen

[@merlin_24]

Amazing video explaining the ideas why all the moves are played when most creators just read the lines for you.

[@chriswaudby1084]

Igor your videos really are immensely helpful to me they really are so thank you dude

[@stuarthayward4756]

fantastic tuition, thank-you, best chess teacher on youtube!! thank-you Igor

[@richardcasey4439]

Really excellent descriptions and explanations for this opening

[@walterbrownstone8017]

I can't get enough Ruy Lopez videos. I'm a low ELO Ruy Lopez expert!

[@cwoodside907]

This is top level instruction at its finest! THANK YOU GM Smirnov!! I’ve always leaned toward Bc4, by habit since I’m only “rated” 750. I see the advantages from Bb5!

[@FelFelGaming]

What's your rate now

[@ph34rocious]

Oh my. You are the one I've been looking for. Incredible insight here, thank you so much.

[@WaqasAhmed-gq8hs]

best explanation ! it good to c each n every scenario.

[@cliffberry1900]

Wow! You have a wonderful way of simplifying. You're a superb teacher.

[@DripApe]

You're the coolest chess teacher, keep it up mr igor 🔥

[@adeelhaidery1956]

Igor thats wonderfull u came again in this variation, plz make some more in depth, i will wait with thanks

[@dharma355]

I stayed away from the rug Lopez cuz Gotham tells us not to but now that I learnt this I improved my rating from 900 to 1200

[@merakshitrading9216]

you are awesome. I really enjoy your thoughts / ideas.

[@beheraabinash3789]

Thanks for the valuable video

[@theawesomelogan6729]

This video got me playing the Ruy Lopez, very good video!

[@P_Pusher89]

Thanks a lot for your great content.

[@RedGhoulAnimation]

A super comprehensive tutorial. I recently started getting into chess, and I’m not very good. I’ve been trying to learn some basic openings and I know the Ruy Lopez is a big one. This video helped me out a lot. Keep up the great work man!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Great to hear!

[@isayoldchap1]

It’s a very good and well presented overview, but not comprehensive by any means. There are dozens of variations and sidelines that are not mentioned here. Nevertheless one of the most useful explanations of the principles and main lines I’ve seen to date.

[@TomBrooklyn]

Thanks GM Igor. I needed that. 😄

[@AverageYTviewer1225]

Love the tutorial! I'll try it on a tournament tomorrow.

[@johnhessom-lx1nt]

Development is very important but a sharp eye for tactics is necessary

[@Redbirds1100]

thank you I struggle a lot with openings.

[@KamalHossain-zz9sj]

One of the best video on ruy lopez

[@elweb30]

Thank you as a new chess player this helps out immensely!

[@CarboAter]

The sleeping cat at the table behind him is so adorable.

[@tedsanders7070]

Wonderful teaching this is my favourite opening

[@jonasherman9195]

Great instructive video!

[@staithinq7791]

very intresting thank you so much you have a great way of explaining things you should keep making does kind of video they are a real pleasure to listen to !

[@carlossimancas9867]

"The Ruy Lopez is the Queen of all the openings" (Capablanca) "You will not be a good chess player unless you master and fully understand the Ruy Lopez" (Kasparov)

[@stefanwolf8558]

Out of curiosity, what is the king of chess openings?

[@efiroktal]

Thanks, great video

[@francisclemente3855]

Hi Igor, thanks for your clear sharing of the Ruy Lopez. Can also share how to play the French Defense?

[@davidrobertson1980]

Excellent explaining lesson Igor, your teaching style is awesome man.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thanks a lot!

[@mokhtarawwad2780]

Thanks for sharing

[@markstevens2888]

you kick butt! awesome enthusiasm! I'm an agamator fan as well.

[@GeorgePolzer]

thank you for explaining the Ruy Lopez. Good to see you are back up an recording. I love your videos covering unique openings. What do you think of the Robatsch Defense? Could you do video on it?

[@lukastux3024]

I don't know. He already has so many videos about dubious openings. It was really necessary that he finally covers the good openings (Ruy Lopez, ...).

[@josephmerritt1411]

Thank you for the video and explanation behind the moves.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-rl6mn6vz1v]

very clear explanation

[@lukastux3024]

Already excited for part 2: Your recommendations against the Berlin. And maybe the Open Spanish and the Marshall Gambit!

[@abhishektodmal1914]

Thank you for this wonderful video, Igor! Appreciated the clarity and enthusiasm with your explanation so very much 😃 Look forward to giving this a go, and I wish you all the very best! 😃👋🙏❤️

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

❤

[@EGS3586]

bro im surprised ur not one of the top 10 chess youtubers. ur rly good

[@enricoryan2260]

i have so much idea when im starting to watch your videos please keep it up and where here to watch even the adds hehe to help your more videos to come!🤣😂🤣😂

[@saydsahal2974]

very helpful thanks

[@ralphderkapitaen9875]

nicely done. all different angles covered....

[@SoyJamin]

thank you for you video

[@gabechoukri7556]

I love his videos. They are always so informational and helpful. I can’t lie though the way he says “beshhop” always makes me laugh.

[@theodorosdimitriou3905]

This video is extraordinary! Keep up the good work ! Highly suggested

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thank you! Will do!

[@pratikpatil6342]

You are really good teacher.

[@petersmit8717]

great video, thanks for taking the time to enlighten us normal people :)

[@AlbionArg]

Fantastic video, thanks for this Igor!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you liked it!

[@hm-zr3uh]

Thanks alot it was great

[@nps3b]

excellent lecture

[@Mr.A812]

Thank you sir , A student from India , love your Videos , Help a lot to learn about the main lines in the openings .

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad to hear that

[@Arcan3frost]

Excellent!

[@Verner791]

Thanks! It was very helpful.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad it helped!

[@guillermopinus]

Excelent content Igor, i am 1400 rapid and I still enjoy and learn from yours simple explanations of the tactical and posicional situations. Great!

[@ghostmanscores1666]

I like this. I could actually keep up.

[@fashidox]

Started learning this opening solely because it follows every principle of chess; it sticks to playing... well, chess. No fancy theory, super deep lines, a lot of it is general opening principles and choosing your moments to take, or to back off, etc. While it may not be as adventurous as other lines, it's definitely interesting.

[@patrickfitzpatrick2579]

😊 thanks! Already watching you my game improved and my understanding!!!! You rock!!! 🪨 🎸 🤘

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Happy to help!

[@andrewmays3988]

Excellent tutorial!!! You get a gold star for this lesson !!😊

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

😊

[@Dulein-hu9po]

thank you so much for this video

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

😊

[@KarthikSubramanianKrishnan]

Informative. Nice video igor!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Thanks! 😃

[@lewisdc14]

Looking forward to your coverage of the Berlin defense for both sides, and the line by white to not go into it. Ty

[@sevoo1579]

damn awesome for beginners you're the best

[@alexm9359]

Such a good video

[@billy999786]

This is literally my strategy. Thanks

[@forexlearner9365]

Great Video!

[@mikemcknight1295]

really good, and brilliant at simplifying good chess concepts.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you liked it!

[@mikemcknight1295]

Have you got something about the King's Indian? I'm finding it difficult to make good use of the fianchettoed bishop v's 1100s and higher? It'd be great if you had a thorough explanation of it for both colours. Thanks guys.

[@mizofan]

Your videos are very helpful, well explained, and as you say, give a clear understanding beyond simply memorising, that is useful for play generally. I'm from Wales and i wonder if you might cover the Evans Gambit (Evans was a Welsh sea captain and inventor)

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Hey! Good to know. Very interesting. We will make a note of your suggestion.

[@michaels8386]

I like this video. It is competent, well made, provides good basic knowledge and understanding.

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

I appreciate that!

[@i.g.l.z.9215]

An excellent introduction to the Spanish opening, thank you!

[@GMIgorSmirnov]

Glad you liked it!

[@dancleary578]

GM Igor - Thank you very much for explaining this opening in detail. Love your knowledge, experience and remarkable enthusiasm! 🙂 I have several concerns about playing the Ruy Lopez... 1. Why advance the King Bishop if you don't intend to capture the Knight on C6? This "pas de deux" seems indecisive and inefficient. In addition, if Black even casually advances pawns on files A and B, your Bishop is continually forced to "run and hide", defeating any opening plan you may have "entertained" in the first place. The lone Bishop becomes a liability and isn't really much of a coordinated threat. 2. White's Queen-side pieces remain undeveloped for quite a while. Lost opportunity? 3. Moving the Queen Knight (3 moves) to occupy g3 on the King-side is clumsy(?) and time consuming. Again, lost opportunites? 4. The opening seems indecisive... For these reasons, I'm skeptical... 🙂 Thanks for your thoughts. Best, -Dan