Berlin Defense, Hedgehog Variation
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Bb5Nf6
- 4.O-Od6
- 5.d4Bd7
- 6.Nc3Be7
699 games
A compact Berlin Defense line in which Black meets d4 with ...d6, ...Bd7 and ...Be7, holding e5 in a cramped but resilient setup.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Hedgehog Variation
The Hedgehog Variation comes from the Improved Steinitz Defense (4...d6). Black answers 5. d4 with 5...Bd7 and 6...Be7, keeping the e5 strongpoint behind a compact, passive formation and preparing to castle. White has freer development and holds a slight edge by engine assessment. The usual tries are 7. Re1, 7. dxe5 and 7. d5. Two further moves have names of their own: 7. Bxc6 is the Closed Showalter Variation and 7. Bg5 the Closed Bernstein Variation.
Popular continuations
- 7. Re1 Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Hedgehog Variation 26% 181
- 7. dxe5 Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Hedgehog Variation 23% 161
- 7. d5 Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Hedgehog Variation 18% 123
- 7. Bxc6 Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Showalter Variation 14% 100
- 7. Bg5 Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Bernstein Variation