Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Mortimer Variation
Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense
Definition
The Berlin Defense is a highly respected variation of the Ruy Lopez that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6. Instead of defending the e-pawn with 3…a6 (the Morphy Defense), Black immediately develops a knight to attack White’s e4–pawn, inviting a more positional struggle that often leads to an early queen exchange.
Typical Move Order
The “classical” main line continues:
- 1. e4 e5
- 2. Nf3 Nc6
- 3. Bb5 Nf6
- 4. O-O Nxe4
- 5. d4 Nd6
- 6. Bxc6 dxc6
- 7. dxe5 Nf5
- 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8
This sequence produces the “Berlin Endgame,” famed for its solidity and subtlety.
Strategic Themes
- Endgame-orientated: Early queen exchanges reduce tactical danger and shift the game toward long-term plans.
- Pawn Structure: Black accepts doubled c-pawns (c7-c6) but gains the two-bishop advantage and a robust pawn shield.
- King Safety: Black’s king usually walks to e8 or e7 and is surprisingly safe in the center.
- Minor-piece mastery: Both sides maneuver knights to optimal posts (e.g., Nd6–f5 for Black, Nb1–d2–f1–g3 for White).
Historical Significance
The Berlin was long considered somewhat passive until Vladimir Kramnik used it as his main weapon versus Garry Kasparov in the 2000 World Championship match, neutralizing Kasparov’s famed attacking skill and helping Kramnik claim the title. Since then it has become one of the most fashionable elite openings.
Illustrative Game
Kramnik – Kasparov, WCh (London) 2000, Game 2.
Interesting Facts
- The Berlin Defense was first analyzed in depth by the 19th-century Berlin Chess School (hence its name), featuring players such as Berthold Suhle and Anderssen–Zukertort.
- Because of its drawish reputation, it is sometimes nicknamed “The Berlin Wall,” a play on the Cold-War barrier and the opening’s defensive resilience.
- Modern engines confirm the line’s durability; at the highest levels, Black scores nearly 50%, outstanding for the second player.
Mortimer Variation (in the Berlin Defense)
Definition
The Mortimer Variation is a sideline of the Berlin Defense that begins after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 ?! Instead of the safer 4…Nxe4 5. d4 Nd6 (main line) or 4…Be7, Black immediately captures on e4 before castling, hoping to surprise White. The variation is named after the colorful 19th-century English-French master James Mortimer.
Critical Continuation
- 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 ?!
- 5. d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8
Black reaches a position superficially similar to the Berlin Endgame but with an additional tempo lost and a knight stranded on f5, making the line objectively dubious.
Strategic & Tactical Points
- Tempo Loss: Black’s knight on f5 is misplaced and will require time to regroup, whereas White enjoys a lead in development.
- Trap Potential: If White greedily plays 5. Re1? instead of 5. d4, Black has the neat shot 5…Nd6!, and the e-pawn is suddenly safe, giving Black equality or better.
- Imbalance-seeking: Practical players choose the Mortimer to dodge Berlin theory, aiming for asymmetric play at the cost of objective soundness.
Notable Examples
Although rarely seen in top-flight events, the variation appears in rapid or online chess as a surprise weapon.
- Klein – Shirov, Internet Blitz 2009: White exploited better development to launch a kingside pawn storm, winning on move 27.
- James Mortimer himself employed 4…Nxe4 against Adolf Anderssen in casual games during the 1870s, inspiring analysis in contemporary magazines such as The Chess Player’s Chronicle.
Illustrative Mini-Trap
If White forgets the critical 5. d4, Black’s 5…Nd6! saves the knight, and after 6. Nxe5? (greedy) Black gains the initiative with 6…Be7!, targeting the f2-square.
Interesting Facts
- James Mortimer was better known as a journalist, playwright, and friend of Paul Morphy. His openings often aimed to unbalance opponents and stir complications.
- The ECO code for the Mortimer Variation is C67, distinct from the main-line Berlin (C65-C67 overall).
- Because 4…Nxe4?! can transpose to the main Berlin Endgame if White plays inaccurately, some databases misleadingly label subsequent positions as “Berlin Main Line,” obscuring a critical tempo difference.
Practical Verdict
At master level the Mortimer Variation is considered slightly unsound, giving White a small but durable edge. Nevertheless, it remains a viable surprise choice in faster time controls where precise refutation is harder to execute.