Spanish: 4.Ba4 Be7

Before the first move

The Ruy Lopez is one of the oldest and most respected openings in chess. In this variation, Black chooses a flexible setup with an early bishop move to e7, prioritizing rapid kingside castling while keeping White's light-squared bishop under observation. Both sides fight for control over the center and long-term positional advantages.

1. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. This classic opening move claims space in the center and immediately opens lines for your queen and light-squared bishop. It is the first step in establishing a strong presence in the heart of the board.

1... e5Black

Black replies with e5, entering the Open Game. This is the most principled response to e4. While alternatives like the French Defense or the Caro-Kann are structurally different, e5 leads to the most direct tactical and strategic struggles in the center.

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 move develops a piece toward the center, prepares for kingside castling, and immediately puts pressure on Black's e5-pawn. It is the most flexible and attacking continuation available.

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

2... Nc6Black

Black replies Nc6, defending the pawn. This is the standard response, though sharp alternatives like the Petroff Defense with Nf6 or the Elephant Gambit with d5 exist. By choosing the knight move, Black remains flexible for various systems.

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. This move defines the Ruy Lopez. You are putting indirect pressure on the e5-pawn by attacking its defender, the knight on c6. This forces Black to make a decision about their central structure.

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... a6Black

Black plays a6, the most common response. You force the bishop to decide its future. While Black could play the Berlin Defense with Nf6 or the Schliemann Gambit with f5, a6 remains the gold standard for challenging the Spanish bishop's placement.

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

4. Ba4White · your move

Retreat your bishop to a4. By maintaining the pin on the knight and keeping the bishop on the board, you preserve the tension. This keeps the pressure on Black's position while preparing to drop back further if needed.

Other paths here: Bxc6 (Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation) · Bc4 (Spanish: 3...a6 4.Bc4)

4... Be7Black

Black plays Be7, a flexible and solid choice. Instead of the main line Nf6 or the aggressive b5, this move prepares for a safe kingside. White now has several ways to proceed, including castling or preparing the c3 and d4 central thrust.

Other paths here: Nd4 (Ruy Lopez: Bird's Defense Deferred) · Bb4 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Alapin's Defense Deferred) · b5 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Caro Variation) · Bc5 (Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Classical Defense Deferred)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich with strategic possibilities. White will typically castle and then look to build a strong center with c3 and d4. Black's plan involves finishing development with Nf6 and castling, while deciding whether to expand on the queenside with b5 to finally kick the white bishop away from the a4-e8 diagonal.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king.
• c2-c3 Prepare the d4 central pawn push.
• g8-f6 Develop the knight and prepare castling.
• b7-b5 Expand on queenside and kick bishop.