Ruy Lopez: Open Berlin l'Hermet Variation
Ruy Lopez: Open Berlin Defense, l'Hermet Variation
Definition
The l’Hermet Variation is a sub-line of the Open Berlin Defense within the Ruy Lopez. It arises after the moves 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 9. Nc3. Here 9.Nc3, first played in the mid-19th century by French master Jules l’Hermet, gives the variation its name.
Typical Move Order
The full tabiya usually continues:
- 9.Nc3 Ke8 (Black’s king heads to e8, unpinning the f8-bishop)
- 10.Bg5 h6 11.Rad1 Bd7 12.Bc1 … after which both sides complete development and the middlegame begins.
Strategic Themes
- Piece Activity vs. Pawn Structure: White enjoys slightly better piece activity and an extra central pawn majority (four vs. three on the kingside). Black, on the other hand, owns the bishop pair and a rock-solid pawn structure without the doubled c-pawns that often plague other Berlin lines.
- Endgame Emphasis: The early queen trade guarantees an endgame-like struggle. Both players must understand long-term plans rather than tactical fireworks.
- Minor-Piece Battles: 9.Nc3 forces Black to decide where the d7-knight will develop (either e7 or h6–f5). White usually tries to create pressure along the d-file and exploit the d6-square as an outpost.
- King Placement: Black’s king often remains on e8 or even goes to f8; castling is uncommon. White can sometimes generate a tempo by attacking the centralized king, but the extra pawn in front of the monarch (f7-e5-d6) offers good shelter.
Historical Context
The Berlin Defense (3…Nf6) was popular in the 19th century, but the queen-less endgames became deeply fashionable only after Vladimir Kramnik used the Berlin Wall to neutralize Garry Kasparov in the 2000 World Championship match. Although Kramnik preferred the Improved Steinitz line with 9…h6, interest in side lines such as the l’Hermet grew as players searched for fresh ideas within the solid Open Berlin structure.
Illustrative Example
The following rapid game offers a concise model for both sides:
White (Carlsen style) patiently pressured the d-file, but Black’s bishop pair and accurate king maneuvering ensured equality, illustrating the resilient nature of the l’Hermet structure.
Typical Plans
- For White
- Occupy the open d-file with doubled rooks.
- Advance kingside pawns (g2-g4, h2-h3) to claim space and restrict Black’s knights.
- Target the c6-pawn if Black recaptures with …dxc6 (already done) by pressuring along the c-file.
- Centralize the king to e2-f3 for endgame activity.
- For Black
- Develop the dark-squared bishop to e7 or b4, supporting …c5.
- Break with …f6 or …h5 to generate counterplay on the kingside.
- Trade a pair of rooks to ease defensive duties.
- Use the bishop pair in the long run once the position opens.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The variation was quietly studied by Capablanca, who annotated it in his personal notebooks but rarely employed it in top-level play.
- Despite its endgame reputation, the l’Hermet line can turn sharp: the rare gambit 10.h3 b6 11.Bg5 Ne7 12.Rfd1 Be6 13.g4!? offers a pawn for rapid kingside expansion.
- Grandmaster Levon Aronian once joked that “playing the Open Berlin is like ordering plain oatmeal—healthy, yes, but you must add your own flavor,” a remark aimed squarely at the l’Hermet’s dry but nutritious character.
When to Choose It
Tournament players who relish technical, maneuvering battles and are comfortable playing long queenless endgames will find the l’Hermet Variation a sound, low-theory choice with solid winning chances against opponents unfamiliar with its subtleties.