Berlin Defense, Anti-Berlin Variation, Kaufmann Variation

The Kaufmann Variation meets 4...Bc5 with 5. Be3, which challenges Black's active bishop instead of preparing d3-d4 with 5. c3. Most players exchange with 5...Bxe3. White can only recapture with the f-pawn, which doubles the e-pawns but opens the f-file and adds control of d4 and f4. 5...Bb6 keeps the bishop, and 5...d6 is a quieter alternative. The engine rates the position as level, and results are close to even.