Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation (Chess is Fun) (Free Kindle Book) – By Jon Edwards

Named after a 16th century Spanish priest, the Ruy Lopez grew in popularity towards the end of the 19th century and is a regular visitor to tournaments today. The basic idea is simple enough. White develops the bishop to attack the Nc6, the only defender of the e5-pawn.

3…a6

Black’s most frequent response, putting the question to the bishop. White now often retreats the bishop to a4, preserving the bishop and aiming for long term…