Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Trifunovic Variation (C67)

The Berlin Defense, Trifunovic Variation is a variation of the Ruy Lopez, catalogued as ECO C67. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Be7 6. Qe2 d5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5 and e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two 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.

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, Trifunovic Variation — position after d5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Be7 6. Qe2 d5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Bb5Nf6
4O-ONxe4
5d4Be7
6Qe2d5

ECO: C67

Stockfish: +0.94 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Ruy Lopez lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Berlin Defense, Trifunovic Variation?

The Berlin Defense, Trifunovic Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Be7 6. Qe2 d5. It is a variation of the Ruy Lopez and is catalogued as ECO C67.

What is the ECO code for the Berlin Defense, Trifunovic Variation?

The Berlin Defense, Trifunovic Variation is ECO C67. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ruy Lopez.

Is the Berlin Defense, Trifunovic Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Be7 6. Qe2 d5 at +0.94 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, Trifunovic Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5 and e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two 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.