Ruy Lopez: Open Berlin Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6 6.Ba4 · ECO C67 · Black to move

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What Ruy Lopez: Open Berlin Defense puts on the board

Black has a one-pawn material edge; black is to move.

White has central pawns on d4; Black has central pawns on e5.

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

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

Reference links and alternate move orders