The most popular continuation. Black plays solidly and prepares to castle.
1.e4 - Controls the center.
1...e5 - Symmetric response, fighting for central control.
2.Nf3 - Develops and attacks e5.
2...Nc6 - Defends e5 and develops.
3.Bb5 - The Ruy Lopez! White pressures the knight defending e5.
3...a6 - Morphy's Defense. Forces White to decide: take on c6 or retreat.
4.Ba4 - White maintains the pin. Taking on c6 is also possible.
4...Nf6 - Black develops and attacks e4.
5.O-O - White castles, completing kingside development.
5...Be7 - Black prepares to castle. Solid and flexible.
6.Re1 - White supports e4 and prepares d4 later.
6...b5 - Black gains space on the queenside.
7.Bb3 - The bishop retreats to safety.
7...d6 - Black solidifies the center and prepares ...Bg4 or ...O-O.
White's plans: Play d4 to open the center. Attack on the kingside or play positionally.
Black's plans: Complete development with ...Bg4 or ...O-O. Look for ...d5 breaks.
Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.