Traps, Tricks & Mistakes: Berlin Ambition

At the elite tournaments is frequent to see top chess players choosing the Berlin variation of the Ruy Lopez.
That variation experienced a remarkable renaissance after Vladimir Kramnik successfully used it as a drawing weapon against Garry Kasparov in their World Championship match in 2000.

The Berlin Defence has a reputation of solidity and drawishness and is commonly referred to as “the Berlin Wall”.

The present game doesn’t explain a trap, but an alternative way of facing the “Wall”

As you see, White doesn’t risk too much, but if Black is not aware, he/she will face many problems.

Black has to be conscious that the main goal of the “Berlin Wall” is to accept the draw. To covet for a win will only bring trouble.

The 2019 Nairobi Chess Club Open Championship has been announced for August 23-25. For the first time, we’re trying some crowdfunding to help pay for the venue, tables, prize fund, and so forth. If you can help out, please do so “here”.

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