Chess Openings Lab
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Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense

The Schliemann Defense is 3...f5, a counterattack against e4 instead of the usual ...a6 or ...Nf6. Black wants open lines and quick piece play on the f-file, while White aims to keep the center under control and punish the loosened black king.

Moves
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5
ECO
C63
Engine
+0.49 · a slight edge for White (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
Played
2,521 games in our lichess sample
White scores
49.5%

Key ideas for both sides

White

  • Play 4.d3 so that after ...fxe4 White recaptures with the pawn and keeps a firm center.
  • The 4.Nc3 line meets ...fxe4 with Nxe4, then Qe2 to pin and pressure the e-file.
  • Taking the pawn with exf5 is the sharp Jaenisch route; know the ...e4 reply before choosing it.
  • Castle short and use Qd3 or Qe2 to target Black's light squares around the king.

Black

  • Take on e4 with ...fxe4 and follow with ...Nf6 for quick development and an open f-file.
  • Use ...Bc5 and ...Nd4, as in the main engine line, to post pieces on active squares.
  • Answer Nc3 lines with ...d5 to grab central space and kick a knight from e4.
  • Castle short as soon as possible; the e8 king is weaker after the f-pawn moves.

Plans and pawn structure

After 4.d3 fxe4 5.dxe4, the f-file is half open for Black and White has a solid pawn on e4. Black develops with ...Nf6, ...Bc5 and castling, then uses the f-file and the d4 square. White castles, plays Qd3 and Nbd2, and aims at the light squares near Black's king. In the 4.Nc3 lines, the center opens faster and both sides must calculate. The Exchange line with Bxc6 gives a calmer, roughly balanced game.

What the engine plays from here

Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.49: a slight edge for White. Its three top choices for White:

  1. +0.49 4.d3 fxe4 5.dxe4 Nf6 6.O-O Bc5
  2. +0.44 4.Nc3 fxe4 5.Nxe4 Nf6 6.Qe2 d5
  3. +0.05 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nc3 Nf6 6.Nxe5 fxe4

Pawns, from White's side.

How it scores on lichess

2,521 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 49.5%.

under 120043.9%
1200–159950.7%
1600–199950.6%
2000 and up48.1%

Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.

Where it goes next

How to play against it

As White, choose 4.d3 or 4.Nc3 and develop calmly. Avoid grabbing pawns early if it costs development. Keep an eye on ...Nd4, which hits your bishop and the f3 knight. If you take with exf5 instead, know that the ...e4 reply gives Black good chances.

Questions

What are the moves of the Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense?

The Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense starts 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5. Its ECO code is C63.

Is the Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense good for Black?

Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.49 at depth 20, which is a slight edge for White. In 2,521 lichess games from our sample, White scored 49.5%. A fighting weapon for Black players who know the theory, while White needs a clear, calm setup and not greed.

What is the main idea of the Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense?

Black hits e4 with the f-pawn to seize the initiative and open the f-file. White answers with solid moves like d3 or Nc3 and tries to exploit the weakened light squares.

What should White play next?

The engine's first choice is d3, with Nc3 and Bxc6 close behind. 4.d3 supports e4 with a pawn, so a capture on e4 leaves White a sound center.

Updated October 2026. Sources and method.