Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Cordel Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O Nxe4 5.d4 Be7 6.Qe2 Nd6 7.Bxc6 bxc6 8.dxe5 Nf5 · ECO C67 · White to move

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What Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Cordel Variation puts on the board

Material is level, with white to move.

White has central pawns on e5.

White has castled kingside; Black can still castle either side.

The d-file is half-open for White, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders