The Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Mortimer Trap 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 Ne7 5. Nxe5 c6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White 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.
See all 184 Ruy Lopez variations →
The Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Mortimer Trap goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Ne7 5. Nxe5 c6. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C65.
The Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Mortimer Trap is ECO C65. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Ne7 5. Nxe5 c6 at -1.32 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move.