The most popular response. Black forces White to make a decision about the bishop.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 - Ruy Lopez. 3...a6 - Morphy Defense. Forces White to decide: take or retreat.
White's plans: Retreat to a4 (main) or take on c6 (Exchange). Both are viable. Black's plans: Develop with ...Nf6, ...b5, ...Be7. Solid and flexible.
Watch the moves to understand the opening sequence. Use the controls to replay or auto-play the variation.