Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Beverwijk Variation
Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Beverwijk Variation
Definition
The Beverwijk Variation is a branch of the Berlin Defense to the Ruy Lopez that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. Re1. Instead of the more fashionable 5. d4, White immediately questions the knight on e4 with the rook, provoking Black to decide how to keep the extra pawn. The line is catalogued as ECO C67 and is named after the Hoogovens tournament held in Beverwijk (the Dutch seaside town that hosted the event before it moved to nearby Wijk aan Zee).
Main Move-Order
The critical starting position of the variation is reached after:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nc6
- Bb5 Nf6 (Berlin Defense)
- O-O Nxe4 (the Open Berlin)
- Re1 …
From here, two replies dominate Black’s practice:
- 5…Nd6 6. Bf1 Be7 7. Nxe5 – the “classical” Beverwijk line.
- 5…Be7 – an alternative that sidesteps some of White’s forcing play.
Strategic Themes
- Material vs. Coordination. White sacrifices the e-pawn only temporarily, aiming to regain it while winning time to complete development and seize the centre.
- Piece Play. The rook on e1 appears oddly placed so early, but it pins the knight on e4 and often supports an eventual e4–e5 break once the pawn is recovered.
- King Safety. Black’s queen-side pieces remain undeveloped; if Black mishandles the defence, tactics on the e-file and threats like Nxc6 followed by Qd5+ can arise.
- Transition Choices. Black can transpose back into quieter Berlin main-lines (…Nd6, …Be7, …O-O) or steer for sharper play with early …Nc5 or even …d5.
Practical Usage
• For White: The variation is a surprise weapon that avoids the heavily analysed
end-game of the “Berlin Wall.” It is especially attractive in rapid and blitz where forcing
moves put psychological pressure on an unprepared opponent.
• For Black: Correct play yields a sound position with the extra pawn still on the
board or soon to be returned for full equality. Many Berlin specialists keep the Beverwijk
Variation in their repertoire to maintain flexibility.
Historical Notes
The line gained prominence in the 1950s–1960s when several Dutch players—most notably Jan Hein Donner—experimented with it during the Hoogovens tournament in Beverwijk. Although eclipsed in elite play by the end-game-oriented “Berlin Wall” (5. d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 …), the Beverwijk Variation still surfaces periodically as a surprise choice.
Illustrative Game
Donner – Najdorf, Hoogovens (Beverwijk) 1961, is one of the early showcases. White won in 30 moves after exploiting the e-file pin and rapid central expansion. A condensed replayable mini-diagram is provided below:
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The town of Beverwijk is only a 10-minute train ride from Wijk aan Zee, so the name “Beverwijk Variation” survives even though the famous January super-tournament eventually moved.
- Before Vladimir Kramnik popularised the solid 5. d4 “Berlin Wall” in his 2000 World Championship match, the Beverwijk line was briefly considered one of the best tries for an advantage against 4…Nxe4.
- In modern databases, the move 5. Re1 scores slightly better for White in blitz and bullet than in classical games—an illustration of its value as a practical weapon.
Examples of Typical Tactical Motifs
- Pin on the e-file: After 5. Re1 Nd6 6. Nxe5, the knight on e5 is tactically protected because 6…Nxe5? 7. Rxe5+ picks up material.
- Forks and Checks: In some lines White can play Nxc6 dxc6 Qh5+, forking the king and the rook on e8 if Black has neglected …Be7.
- Central Breaks: The thematic d2-d4 or even e4-e5 (once the pawn returns to e4) can open lines toward an under-defended black king.
Further Reading / See Also
- Berlin Defense – the parent system.
- Ruy Lopez – overview of the opening family.
- Marshall Attack and Anti-Marshall lines for contrasting dynamic approaches.