Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Tarrasch Trap (C66)

The Berlin Defense, Tarrasch Trap is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C66. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 Bd7 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. O-O Be7 7. Re1 O-O, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after seven moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.

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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Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Tarrasch Trap — position after O-O h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 Bd7 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. O-O Be7 7. Re1 O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5d6
4d4Bd7
5Nc3Nf6
6O-OBe7
7Re1O-O

ECO: C66

Stockfish: +1.07 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Berlin Defense, Tarrasch Trap?

The Berlin Defense, Tarrasch Trap goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 Bd7 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. O-O Be7 7. Re1 O-O. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C66.

What is the ECO code for the Berlin Defense, Tarrasch Trap?

The Berlin Defense, Tarrasch Trap is ECO C66. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Berlin Defense, Tarrasch Trap good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 Bd7 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. O-O Be7 7. Re1 O-O at +1.07 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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, Tarrasch Trap lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.