Ruy López Opening: Old Steinitz Defense
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6
A very solid defense, named after the first World Champion, Wilhelm Steinitz. Black defends the e-pawn and prepares to possibly break the pin with ...Bd7.
Pros:
- Black maintains a strong-point in the center
- Black can either break the pin with ...Bd7 or create his own pin with ...Bg4
Cons:
- Blocks in the Bishop on f8
- White can immediately attack the center with 4.d4
- The kingside development is a little slow