Classical Variation, Berlin Variation

The Berlin Variation is the reply 4...c5 to the Classical 4. Qc2. It is classified as E38. Instead of castling first, Black attacks the d4-pawn immediately. The queen has left d1 and no longer guards d4, so White must decide at once how to handle the tension. The most frequent answer is 5. dxc5. It gives up the center pawn but opens lines while Black spends time recovering the c5-pawn, usually with the bishop. The quieter 5. e3 and 5. Nf3 keep the d4-pawn supported and are the next most common choices.

After 5. dxc5 the play divides by Black's fifth move. The Pirc Variation, 5...O-O, delays the recapture, and the Macieja System continues 6. a3 Bxc5 7. Nf3 b6, with Black fianchettoing the light-squared bishop. The Steiner Variation, 5...Bxc3+, hands White the bishop pair at once in return for quick development. The engine considers the starting position roughly balanced, and online results are almost even, with few draws.