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, l'Hermet Variation
This variation arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Nd6. It is a sharp line within the Berlin Defense, where Black captures the e4 pawn early and then retreats the knight to d6 to support the center and challenge White's control.
Characteristic: The key feature of the l'Hermet Variation is Black’s move 5...Nd6, which aims to reinforce the e4-knight and prepare for solid development. This knight repositioning also prevents White from easily regaining the pawn and keeps tension in the center.
Playing style: From Black’s perspective, this line is somewhat defensive but with active counterplay opportunities, focusing on solid center control and piece coordination. White, meanwhile, aims to exploit central space and develop quickly to challenge Black’s setup.
Center control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. White’s move d4 strikes for central space, while Black’s knight on d6 supports the central e5-square and helps maintain a strong foothold in the middle of the board.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, l'Hermet Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, l'Hermet Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.