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, Berlin Wall Defense
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8
This variation is a well-known line within the Berlin Defense, often called the "Berlin Wall" due to its solid and resilient nature. By exchanging queens early (8. Qxd8+ Kxd8), Black aims for a simplified position with a strong, albeit somewhat passive, pawn structure and good piece coordination.
Characteristic: The defining feature of this line is the early queen exchange leading to a simplified endgame where Black's king is centralized but safe. The doubled c-pawns for Black may be seen as structural weaknesses, but Black gains excellent piece activity and solid defensive resources.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, this line is more positional and strategic rather than aggressively attacking. White aims to exploit Black's pawn structure weaknesses and better development. Black plays a solid, defensive game, focusing on maintaining a strong and resilient setup rather than immediate attacks.
Center Control: This opening involves a contested center initially, with both sides fighting for control. White uses central pawn pushes (like d4 and dxe5) to challenge Black's presence, while Black maintains a solid foothold in the center, especially through the knight on f5 and pawns on c6 and e5.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, l'Hermet Variation, Berlin Wall Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #35 white
You can also discover how top players used Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, l'Hermet Variation, Berlin Wall Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.