Ruy Lopez: Closed

A classic and popular chess opening, the Ruy Lopez: Closed is characterized by its solid pawn structure and potential for rich middlegame play.

The Ruy Lopez: Closed is a well-established and highly regarded opening that has been played by many top-level players throughout history. It is a closed system, meaning that the pawn structure remains relatively stable and the position is less tactical in nature. This opening is known for its strategic depth and potential for rich middlegame play, with both sides having multiple plans and ideas to choose from.

White aims to control the center with pawns on e4 and d4, while Black seeks counterplay on the queenside with pawn breaks like ...c5 and ...d5. The opening is characterized by a solid pawn structure, with White's pawn on e4 being supported by the pawn on c3 and the knight on f3. Black's pawn on e5 is similarly supported by the pawn on d6 and the knight on f6.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, both sides have chances for a kingside attack, but the play is generally more positional and strategic. White often looks to expand on the queenside with moves like a4 and b4, while Black can try to undermine White's center with moves like ...f5 or ...d5. Proper understanding of the pawn structures and piece placement is crucial for both sides in this opening, as small inaccuracies can lead to significant disadvantages in the middlegame.