The Berg Variation is a variation of the Marienbad System, catalogued as ECO A47. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 b6 3. g3 Bb7 4. Bg2 c5 5. c4 cxd4 6. Qxd4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.
The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves.
On the Marienbad System generally: ECO A47. A chess opening with 2 known variations.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
All Marienbad System variations
The Berg Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 b6 3. g3 Bb7 4. Bg2 c5 5. c4 cxd4 6. Qxd4. It is a variation of the Marienbad System and is catalogued as ECO A47.
The Berg Variation is ECO A47. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Marienbad System.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 b6 3. g3 Bb7 4. Bg2 c5 5. c4 cxd4 6. Qxd4 at +0.16 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
The four central squares are empty of pawns, so the fight for them is being conducted by pieces. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.