The Italian Game and the Ruy Lopez
A Shared Beginning
Both of these famous openings start the same way. White plays 1.e4 (the king pawn two squares forward), Black answers 1...e5 (mirroring), then 2.Nf3 brings out a knight that attacks Black’s e5 pawn, and 2...Nc6 defends it. So far everyone agrees. The fork in the road is White’s third move, and it all comes down to where one bishop goes.
The Italian Game: 3.Bc4
In the Italian Game, White plays 3.Bc4, placing the light-squared bishop on a long diagonal aimed straight at f7. Why f7? Because f7 is the weakest square in Black’s camp early on — it is only guarded by the king. The Italian is friendly and direct: it develops a piece, points it at a real target, and prepares to castle quickly. Beginners love it because the plans are easy to understand.
The Ruy Lopez: 3.Bb5
In the Ruy Lopez (named after a 16th-century Spanish priest), White instead plays 3.Bb5, pressuring the knight on c6. The idea is sneaky: that knight defends the e5 pawn, so by leaning on the knight, White indirectly leans on Black’s center. The Ruy Lopez is more strategic and long-term, building small advantages rather than charging at f7.
Which Should You Play?
For a beginner, the Italian Game is the easier first friend — its aim at f7 makes every move feel purposeful. The Ruy Lopez is a wonderful next step once you enjoy slower, planning-rich positions. Both are completely sound and played at the very highest levels, so you cannot go wrong learning either.