Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation (C65)

The Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C65. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 d6 5. Bxc6+, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up three points of material. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Ruy Lopez generally: One of the oldest and most classical openings. White develops rapidly and puts pressure on Black's center.

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.

Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation — position after Bxc6+ a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 d6 5. Bxc6+

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5Nf6
4d3d6
5Bxc6+

ECO: C65

Stockfish: -0.18 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation?

The Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 d6 5. Bxc6+. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C65.

What is the ECO code for the Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation?

The Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation is ECO C65. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 d6 5. Bxc6+ at -0.18 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.

What kind of position does the Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Anderssen Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up three points of material. It is Black to move.