Opening course · C65 to C67
Learn the Berlin Defence
The Berlin Defence starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6. Trade queens early and hold a rock solid endgame with the bishop pair.
- You play Black
- For club players
- Rated about 1400 to 2800
What you will learn
- 1 The idea 3 steps
- 2 Main line 15 steps
- 3 Key variations 3 steps
- 4 Traps 2 steps
- 5 Plans and middlegames 4 steps
- 6 Test yourself 10 steps
Key ideas
- …Nf6, …Nxe4, …Nd6 and …dxc6: the queens come off.
- The knight belongs on f5, the king on e8 or c8.
- Your bishops and a solid structure hold White’s extra kingside pawn.
Traps you will see
- The fork trick Set by White
- Castling too soon Set by White
Model games
- Jan Smeets Magnus Carlsen Tata Steel, Wijk aan Zee · 2011
- Viswanathan Anand Magnus Carlsen World Championship, Chennai · 2013
Questions
Is the Berlin Defence good for beginners?
It suits club players from about 1400 to 2800. Beginners can follow the course, but some lines need care.
What are the first moves of the Berlin Defence?
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6.
How long is the course?
6 chapters with 37 steps, each played out on the board with your coach.
Which traps does the course cover?
- The fork trick
- Castling too soon