Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Alapin's Defense Deferred
ECO C70
Move order
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Bb4
Ideas
ECO C covers open games (1. e4 e5) and the French Defense. White stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.