3Bb5

3.Bb5 is the third move in the Ruy Lopez, also known as the Spanish Opening. It occurs after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6, with White developing the bishop to b5 to pin Black’s knight on c6 to the king and to contest Black’s control of the e5 square. The move signals a shift from immediate central pawn clashes toward strategic pressure on the knight and the e5 pawn, inviting a slower, maneuvering game.

The Ruy Lopez is named after Ruy López de Segura, a 16th‑century Spanish priest and chess theorist. The opening gained enduring prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries and remains a staple of high-level play. 3.Bb5 leads to a rich set of continuations and is the starting point for several well‑known variations.

Black’s most common responses are 3...a6, 3...Nf6, 3...d6, and 3...Bc5. 3...a6 (the Morphy Defense) forces White to decide the bishop’s route, typically to 4.Ba4, and often leads to the Closed Ruy Lopez with subsequent development and central battles. 3...Nf6 (the Berlin Defense) is a solid, highly studied approach that aims for a resilient structure and a later simplification. 3...d6 (the Steinitz Defense) and 3...Bc5 (Classical Variation) offer different plans for Black, focusing on flexible development and pressure against White’s center and king safety.

White’s plans vary by branch. In the Closed and Open Ruy Lopez, White often pursues c3 and d4 or maintains tension with gradual piece play, aiming for long-term space and central dominance. The 3.Bb5 line remains a central, deeply analysed part of modern chess theory.