Chess opening · ECO C62
Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense
The Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6. It ranks #96 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
- 3. Bb5White develops the light-squared bishop to b5. It now attacks the knight on c6.
- 3... d6Black advances the d-pawn to d6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Bxc6+; among players rated 2000 and up, it is d4.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Bxc6+ 39% | O-O 21% | Nc3 18% |
| 1200–1399 | Bxc6+ 42% | d4 19% | O-O 15% |
| 1400–1599 | Bxc6+ 32% | d4 24% | O-O 20% |
| 1600–1799 | d4 32% | O-O 24% | Bxc6+ 18% |
| 1800–1999 | d4 43% | O-O 29% | c3 8% |
| 2000 and up | d4 53% | O-O 24% | c3 12% |
Related openings
Practice it against a human-like opponent.
BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.
Play a free coached game →Played this opening recently?
Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.
Analyze a game free →