Theoria
8765432abcdefgh1

Ruy Lopez

Berlin Defense, Trifunovic Variation

C67offbeattactical

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.Bb5Nf6
  4. 4.O-ONxe4
  5. 5.d4Be7
  6. 6.Qe2d5

No game statistics for this position yet.

A Berlin Defense sideline in which Black meets 6. Qe2 with 6...d5, holding the knight on e4 and the extra pawn instead of retreating to d6.

Train it in Theoria

About the Trifunovic Variation

The Trifunovic Variation branches off the Rio de Janeiro Variation (5...Be7). After 6. Qe2, Black plays 6...d5 instead of the usual 6...Nd6. The pawn anchors the knight on e4 and blocks the e-file, so Black keeps the extra pawn for now rather than retreating the knight. The cost is that the e5-pawn stays a target for White's queen and pieces, and Black's king remains in the center until castling is completed.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.