Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6

ECO C65

The Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6.

It is catalogued under code C65 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nf6 is chosen by Black on move 3.

21 named continuations branch from this position, including the Anti-Berlin Variation and the Beverwijk Variation.

Named variations

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Opening Tricks Hall of Fame course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.