The Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C66. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O d6 5. d4 Bd7 6. Nc3 exd4, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d4). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.
On the Ruy Lopez generally: One of the oldest and most classical openings. White develops rapidly and puts pressure on Black's center.
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The Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O d6 5. d4 Bd7 6. Nc3 exd4. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C66.
The Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation is ECO C66. 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. O-O d6 5. d4 Bd7 6. Nc3 exd4 at +0.40 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d4). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.