Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense: what should White play?

In the Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense (ECO C62), White's top engine recommendation is Nc3, which carries an evaluation of +0.69 while developing a piece to control the center. Although Nc3 is chosen in 11.3% of the 5,794,614 recorded games, White also frequently opts for the classical central strike d4 or king safety via O-O.

Developing with Nc3

The move Nc3 develops the queenside knight to c3, reinforcing control over key central squares like d5 and e4. It has appeared in 656K recorded games. An illustrative engine continuation following this choice is Nc3 Bd7 d4 exd4 Nxd4 Nf6, where White opens the center with d4 after securing harmonious piece development.

Central Strike with d4

The most common pawn strike in the database is d4, played in 36.9% of games (2.14M recorded) with an engine evaluation of +0.67. This immediate challenge to Black's pawn on e5 leads to lively central play. A representative engine line runs d4 exd4 Nxd4 Bd7 Nc3 Nf6, where White liquidates the center early and develops the knight to c3 slightly later.

Alternative Options: Castling and c3

White can also focus on king safety with O-O, the most played move overall at 37.5% of games (2.17M recorded) with an evaluation of +0.34. The engine main line continues O-O a6 Ba4 Be7 c3 Nf6. Alternatively, White plays c3 in 13.9% of encounters (804K recorded, eval +0.33), preparing a supported center through c3 a6 Ba4 Nf6 d4 Be7. The rare retreat Ba4 occurs in only 0.4% of games (25K recorded) and evaluates at +0.21.