Ruy Lopez: Nürnberg Variation

Before the first move

The Ruy Lopez is one of the oldest and most respected openings in chess history. In the Nürnberg Variation, Black chooses a stubborn, solid setup by reinforcing the e5-pawn with f6. While it looks unusual, it aims to blunt White's light-squared bishop and create a fortress that is difficult to crack without precise play.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims space in the center, controls the d5-square, and immediately opens pathways for your queen and light-squared bishop to enter the game.

1... e5Black

Black replies with e5, meeting symmetry with symmetry. While alternatives like the Scandinavian with d5 or the French Defense with e6 are common, this move leads to the most direct struggle for central control.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This is a dual-purpose move: you put immediate pressure on Black's e5-pawn while preparing to castle kingside. It is the most flexible and attacking way to continue your development.

Other paths here: Ke2 (Bongcloud Attack) · d4 (Center Game) · c4 (English Opening: The Whale) · Ne2 (King's Pawn Game: Alapin Opening)

2... Nc6Black

Black plays Nc6, the most common defense in this position. By protecting e5, Black keeps the tension. White now has a major choice between the Ruy Lopez, the Scotch Game with d4, or the Italian Game with Bc4.

Other paths here: d5 (Elephant Gambit) · Qe7 (Gunderam Defense) · Bc5 (King's Pawn Game: Busch-Gass Gambit) · f6 (King's Pawn Game: Damiano Defense)

3. Bb5White · your move

Slide your bishop to b5 to initiate the Ruy Lopez. You are putting indirect pressure on the e5-pawn by attacking its defender. This move forces Black to make a decision about their structure and development.

Other paths here: Nxe5 (Irish Gambit) · g3 (King's Knight Opening: Konstantinopolsky) · c4 (King's Pawn Game: Dresden Opening) · b4 (King's Pawn Game: Pachman Wing Gambit)

3... f6Black

Black chooses the Nürnberg Variation with f6. This is a provocative and rare choice compared to the standard a6 or the Cozio Defense with Nge7. Black intends to hold the center at all costs, even if it delays kingside development.

Other paths here: Bb4 (Ruy Lopez: Alapin Defense) · g5 (Ruy Lopez: Brentano Gambit) · a5 (Ruy Lopez: Bulgarian Variation) · Nge7 (Ruy Lopez: Cozio Defense)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White should focus on castling and eventually striking at the center with d4 or c3. Black will aim to finish development with moves like Nge7 and d6, hoping that the solid pawn chain on e5 and f6 will prove difficult for White to dismantle in the middlegame.

• e1-g1 Secure the king immediately via castling
• d2-d4 Challenge the f6-e5 chain directly
• g8-e7 Develop the knight without blocking f6
• b5-c4 Reposition the bishop to the a2-g8 diagonal