Ruy Lopez · C67

Berlin Defense, Rio Gambit Accepted

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4

The structure hands White the half-open e-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. Black heads straight for the famous endgame: queens off early, a broken kingside structure for the bishop pair, and a position where technique outweighs attack.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 4 more moves in this line, 8 in all.