Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O d6 5. d4 Bd7 6. Nc3 exd4
7. Nxd4+0.49
White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation (C66), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O d6 5. d4 Bd7 6. Nc3 exd4, Stockfish 18 recommends 7. Nxd4 for White. White is slightly better (+0.49).
Top engine moves
- +0.497. Nxd4 Be7 8. Nf5 Bxf5 9. exf5 d5 10. Bg5 O-O 11. Re1 h6
- +0.217. Nd5 Be7 8. Bxc6 bxc6 9. Nxe7 Qxe7 10. Qxd4 c5 11. Qd3 Bc6
- +0.157. Ne2 Be7 8. Ng3 O-O 9. Bxc6 bxc6 10. Qxd4 c5 11. Qd3 Bc6
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O d6 5. d4 Bd7 6. Nc3 exd4, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 7. Nxd4 for White, continuing Be7 8. Nf5 Bxf5 9. exf5 d5 10. Bg5 O-O 11. Re1 h6. White is slightly better (+0.49). The next best moves are 7. Nd5 (+0.21) and 7. Ne2 (+0.15).
Is the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.49: white is slightly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation?
C66. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; C is the volume for open games and the French Defense.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).