Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Schönemann Attack position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.d4. White: bishop on b5, pawn on d4, pawn on e4, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on c6, pawn on e5, pawn on f5.
Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Schönemann Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.d4. It is classified C63 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Ruy Lopez, also called the Spanish Game, develops the bishop to b5 where it pressures the knight defending Black's e5 pawn. It is the oldest continuously played opening at the top level and remains the main battleground of 1.e4 e5, valued because White gets a lasting positional grip rather than a quick attack.
Strategic character
The bishop on b5 creates a long-term question about the c6 knight that shapes the whole game. Most main lines lead to slow manoeuvring positions with a closed centre, where both sides regroup pieces behind their pawn chains before committing to a plan.
Who should play it
Players who prefer strategic, long-game chess over immediate tactics, and who are comfortable playing positions where the plan matters more than the calculation.
This line is a variation within the Ruy Lopez family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.d4.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Schönemann Attack?
The Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Schönemann Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.d4. It is classified C63 in the ECO system. The Ruy Lopez, also called the Spanish Game, develops the bishop to b5 where it pressures the knight defending Black's e5 pawn. It is the oldest continuously played opening at the top level and remains the main battleground of 1.e4 e5, valued because White gets a lasting positional grip rather than a quick attack.
What are the moves of the Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Schönemann Attack?
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5 4.d4. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense, Schönemann Attack good for beginners?
Players who prefer strategic, long-game chess over immediate tactics, and who are comfortable playing positions where the plan matters more than the calculation.