Open, Berger Variation
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3Nc6
- 3.Bb5a6
- 4.Ba4Nf6
- 5.O-ONxe4
- 6.d4b5
- 7.Bb3d5
- 8.a4Nxd4
- 9.Nxd4exd4
- 10.Nc3
No game statistics for this position yet.
A rare gambit in the Open Ruy Lopez where White plays 8. a4 instead of recapturing on e5, giving up central pawns for development and open lines.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Berger Variation
The Berger Variation departs from the main line of the Open Ruy Lopez, also called the Open Spanish, at move eight. White plays 8. a4 instead of the usual 8. dxe5, which would win back the pawn. The move puts pressure on b5, but it also lets Black take on d4. After 8...Nxd4 9. Nxd4 exd4 10. Nc3, Black is two pawns up with doubled d-pawns. In return, White has a lead in development, an open e-file and play against the knight on e4. It is a seldom-played sideline.
Popular continuations
No continuations known for this position yet.