Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Fishing Pole Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Ng4
5. d4+1.22
White is clearly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Fishing Pole Variation (C65), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Ng4, Stockfish 18 recommends 5. d4 for White. White is clearly better (+1.22).
Top engine moves
- +1.225. d4 exd4 6. h3 Nf6 7. Re1 Bc5 8. c3 O-O 9. cxd4 Bb4
- +1.125. h3 h5 6. d4 exd4 7. e5 a6 8. Ba4 b5 9. Bb3 d5
- +0.955. Nc3 a6 6. Ba4 Be7 7. Nd5 O-O 8. c3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Fishing Pole Variation?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Ng4, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 5. d4 for White, continuing exd4 6. h3 Nf6 7. Re1 Bc5 8. c3 O-O 9. cxd4 Bb4. White is clearly better (+1.22). The next best moves are 5. h3 (+1.12) and 5. Nc3 (+0.95).
Is the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Fishing Pole Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +1.22: White is clearly better. That is a large edge for an opening position, so check the engine lines before playing it from the other side.
What is the ECO code of the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Fishing Pole Variation?
C65. 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+).