Chess opening · ECO C65
Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense
The Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6. It ranks #89 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
- 3. Bb5White develops the light-squared bishop to b5. It now attacks the knight on c6.
- 3... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Bxc6; among players rated 2000 and up, it is O-O.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Bxc6 43% | d3 25% | Nc3 17% |
| 1200–1399 | Bxc6 41% | d3 21% | Nc3 19% |
| 1400–1599 | Bxc6 33% | O-O 29% | d3 20% |
| 1600–1799 | O-O 48% | Bxc6 20% | d3 19% |
| 1800–1999 | O-O 60% | d3 20% | Bxc6 8% |
| 2000 and up | O-O 53% | d3 28% | Qe2 7% |
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