Exercise 6.1Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Trap the white bishop.
6
Your First Openings · Kapilash Chess Academy
The Ruy Lopez: First Steps
3.♗b5 — the Spanish Game
In this lesson you will learn
- Why the bishop goes to b5
- The main line with ...a6, ...♘f6 and ...♗e7
- Why White does not win the e5-pawn at once
- The Noah’s Ark trap
Every board on this page is live. Move the pieces by tapping or dragging, click any move in the lines to see that position, and press ↺ to start again.
6.1 Pressure on e5
In the Ruy Lopez White attacks the knight that defends e5. It is the most famous of all openings. A beginner should know the main ideas and one important trap.
Diagram 6.1Black to move
The main line
Black asks the bishop a question with ...a6, then develops and castles.
Note 4.♗a4: after 4.♗xc6 dxc6 5.♘xe5? Black wins the pawn back with ...♕d4. White keeps the bishop, castles and prepares d4 with c3. Black has a solid position.
Diagram 6.2Black to move
Noah’s Ark trap
Black chases the bishop with ...b5 and traps it on b3 with the c-pawn.
The bishop on b3 has no way out: ...c4 traps it. The trap is called Noah’s Ark because it is so old. White should recapture on d4 with the queen only after checking ...c5!
Remember
- The Ruy Lopez attacks the defender of e5.
- Main line: ...a6, ...♘f6, ...♗e7, ...b5, ...d6, ...O-O.
- Watch out for ...b5 and ...c4 trapping a bishop on b3.
- Before you take a pawn, check what the opponent can do next.
Exercises · Lesson 6
Every exercise has been checked with a chess engine. Find the best move or choose the right answer.
Exercise 6.2Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 6.3Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 6.4Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 6.5Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 6.6Find the move
Black to move
Black to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 6.7Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.
Exercise 6.8Find the move
White to move
White to move. Find the strongest move.