Italian Game vs Ruy Lopez

Both start 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6; they split on move 3. The Italian (3.Bc4) aims the bishop at f7 and gets castled fast, so it is easier to learn and a great first 1.e4 e5 opening. The Ruy Lopez (3.Bb5) attacks the knight that defends e5, keeping a slower pressure that lasts deep into the middlegame, but it asks for more theory.

• Target: the Italian bishop hits f7, the square only Black's king defends; the Ruy Lopez bishop hits c6, the defender of e5.
• Pace: Italian positions often open early around f7 and the centre; the Ruy Lopez is usually a slower, manoeuvring fight.
• Theory: the Italian's ideas are the opening principles themselves; the Ruy Lopez is the most deeply analysed 1.e4 e5 opening.
• Black's usual answer: in the Italian, 3...Bc5 or 3...Nf6; in the Ruy Lopez, 3...a6, asking the bishop at once.

1. 1. e4

   1.e4 takes the center and opens lines for the queen and the light-squared bishop.

2. 1... e5

   Black stakes an equal claim in the center.

3. 2. Nf3

   2.Nf3 develops toward the center and attacks e5.

4. 2... Nc6

   Black defends e5 while developing.

5. 3. Bc4

   3.Bc4, the Italian! The bishop eyes f7, which only the king defends.

The plan: castle, play c3 and d4 to build a big center, and keep pressure on f7.

Who should play it: Beginners and improving players who answer 1.e4 e5 often: the ideas (develop, castle, control the centre) are the opening principles themselves. Players who like both slow manoeuvring and the option of a quick attack on f7.

1. 1. e4

   1.e4, the king's pawn opening.

2. 1... e5

   Symmetrical reply.

3. 2. Nf3

   2.Nf3 hits e5.

4. 2... Nc6

   The knight defends e5.

5. 3. Bb5

   3.Bb5, the Ruy López. It attacks the c6 knight, which is the only defender of e5.

The plan: White plans O-O, Re1, c3 and d4. Pressure on e5 stays for a long time.

Who should play it: Players who enjoy long strategic games and are willing to learn some theory. A great choice once the Italian feels familiar and you want a line that keeps pressure for many moves.

Italian Game, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 (99,685,288 games): Bc5 in 38% of games (White wins 49%, draws 4%, Black wins 46%); Nf6 in 31% of games (White wins 50%, draws 4%, Black wins 46%).

Ruy López, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 (57,457,506 games): a6 in 32% of games (White wins 50%, draws 5%, Black wins 45%); d6 in 22% of games (White wins 53%, draws 5%, Black wins 42%).

Source: Lichess opening explorer, rapid and blitz games rated 1600-2200, fetched 2026-11-06.