Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense

Before the first move

The Schliemann Defense is a combat-ready counter-attack against the Ruy Lopez. By striking at the center with f5 on the third move, you immediately disrupt White's plans and create a highly tactical, unbalanced struggle where both sides must play with extreme precision to survive the early complications.

1. e4White

White plays e4, the most popular starting move. By occupying the center, White prepares for rapid development and active piece play. You must now decide how to respond to this challenge, with options ranging from the solid e5 to the asymmetrical Sicilian Defense with c5.

1... e5Black · your move

Respond by moving your pawn to e5. By mirroring White's move, you prevent White from further expanding in the center and prepare to develop your kingside pieces. It is the most direct way to fight for an equal share of the central space.

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

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, attacking your pawn and developing a piece toward the center. This is the main line of the King's Pawn Game. You might see the occasional Center Game with d4 or the Alapin with Ne2, but the knight move is by far the most challenging test for Black.

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

2... Nc6Black · your move

Bring your knight to c6 to defend your e5-pawn. This is the most natural and effective way to protect the center while developing a piece. You are ready to meet White's next move, whether they choose the Ruy Lopez, the Italian, or the Scotch.

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

White plays Bb5, entering the prestigious Ruy Lopez. This move puts immediate psychological and tactical pressure on your position. Instead of the bishop move, White sometimes tries the Italian Game with Bc4 or the Scotch Game with d4, but the Spanish bishop move is the most complex.

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... f5Black · your move

Push your pawn to f5 to initiate the Schliemann Defense. This aggressive gambit immediately challenges White's e4-pawn and creates a chaotic, tactical environment. You are willing to weaken your kingside slightly in exchange for active piece play and central counter-chances.

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 now a tactical minefield. White usually responds with Nc3 or d3 to maintain the center, while Black aims to use the f-file and central tension to create attacking chances. Both players must be wary of king safety, as the open lines can lead to rapid and decisive attacks for the better-prepared side.

• c6-d4 Jump knight to d4 to harass the bishop
• b5-c4 Retreat bishop to maintain the diagonal
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• f5-e4 Capture on e4 to open the f-file