Ruy Lopez, Berlin defense

Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense

The Berlin Defense, also known as the Berlin Wall, is a variation of the Ruy Lopez opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6.

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. Bb5 Nf6

4. d3 Bc5 

5. Bxc6 dxc6

6. 0-0 Qe7

7. Nbd2 0-0

8. Nc4 Nd7

9. c3 Qe7

In this variation, White dominates the center and has a slight advantage with two well-positioned knights.

In the case of 

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. Bb5 Nf6

4. 0-0 Nxe4 then it is the Rio Gambit Accepted

5. d4 Nd6

6. Bxc6 dxc6

7. dxe5 Nf5

8. Qxd8+ Kxd8

9. Nc3 Ke8

In this position, White has a slight advantage and more developed pieces, while Black can no longer castle.

In the case of 

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. Bb5 Nf6

4. Bxc6 bxc6 then

5. d4... if Nxe4

6. Nxe5 d5

7. 0-0 Bd6

8. f3 Bxe5

9. dxe5 Nc5

10. Nd2 0-0

11. Nb3 Nxb3

12. axb3 Re8 

Now White has a comfortable position and should either win or draw.

If...

1. e4 e5

2. Nf3 Nc6

3. Bb5 Nf6

4. Qe2 Nd4 then

5. Nxd4 exd4

6. e5 Nd5

7. Bc4 Nb6

8. Bb3 Be7

9. d3 0-0

10. 0-0 a5

11. a4 d5

12. c3 Bc5

13. Nd2 Re8

14. h3 Bf5

This is a more complex position, but White still has a slight advantage.