Berlin Defense, Closed Bernstein Variation
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Bb5Nf6
- 4.O-Od6
- 5.d4Bd7
- 6.Nc3Be7
- 7.Bg5
No game statistics for this position yet.
A Berlin Defense line in which Black holds the e5 strongpoint with ...d6, ...Bd7 and ...Be7, and White completes development with 7. Bg5.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Closed Bernstein Variation
This line arises from the Improved Steinitz Defense, 4...d6, in which Black declines to take on e4 and instead supports e5. After 5. d4 Bd7 6. Nc3 Be7 7. Bg5, White has a broad d4/e4 center and fully developed minor pieces, while Black keeps a compact d6/e5 structure in the Steinitz manner. Bg5 puts pressure on the f6 knight, a key defender of e4 and d5. Material is level, and Black, to move, still has to castle.
Popular continuations
No continuations known for this position yet.