Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Bernstein Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O d6 5.d4 Bd7 6.Nc3 Be7 7.Bg5

ECO C66

The Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Bernstein Variation is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O d6 5.d4 Bd7 6.Nc3 Be7 7.Bg5.

It is catalogued under code C66 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Bg5 is chosen by White on move 7.

The Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Bernstein Variation is a line of the Ruy Lopez. The Ruy Lopez, also called the Spanish Game, is a chess opening that begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. Read the complete Ruy Lopez guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

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.