This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Rio Gambit Accepted arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4. This variation is a sharp and less common continuation within the Berlin Defense, where Black captures the e4 pawn early.
Characteristic: The key feature of this move (4...Nxe4) is that Black temporarily sacrifices rapid development for material gain by taking the central pawn. This gambit tests White’s ability to regain the pawn while maintaining a lead in development.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s side, this is an attacking choice, actively challenging White’s center and daring White to prove compensation for the pawn. White’s response is generally aimed at regaining the pawn with interest, maintaining pressure in the center and exploiting lead in development, so White’s stance is also attacking.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center actively. Black’s Nxe4 challenges White’s central presence directly, making this an opening where central control is a primary battleground.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Rio Gambit Accepted, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 22 - Move #7 white
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Rio Gambit Accepted to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.