In the Ruy Lopez, how do you handle the Berlin Defense as White? • page 2/2 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

@tpr said in #5:

[After 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 Nf6 4 O-O Nxe4, you] can also play [5 Re1] ...

... are the [5 Re1] or the [5 d4] variations of the berlin defense usually more difficult ?

@tpr said in #7:

... Both are difficult.
The [5 d4] variation is sharper: white gets a won pawn endgame, but black gets the bishop's pair.
The [5 Re1] variation is quieter but still complicated.

@najdorfplayer48 said in #8:

is it also the case with the adition of [3...a6 4 Ba4] ? ( i would assume it is , but wanted to ask )

After 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 O-O Nxe4, 6 d4 seems to be vastly more popular than 6 Re1, but apparently 6 Re1 is okay.
https://www.365chess.com/game.php?gid=4462694

@tpr said in #5: > [After 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 Nf6 4 O-O Nxe4, you] can also play [5 Re1] ... @najdorfplayer48 said in #6: > ... are the [5 Re1] or the [5 d4] variations of the berlin defense usually more difficult ? @tpr said in #7: > ... Both are difficult. > The [5 d4] variation is sharper: white gets a won pawn endgame, but black gets the bishop's pair. > The [5 Re1] variation is quieter but still complicated. @najdorfplayer48 said in #8: > is it also the case with the adition of [3...a6 4 Ba4] ? ( i would assume it is , but wanted to ask ) After 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 a6 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 O-O Nxe4, 6 d4 seems to be vastly more popular than 6 Re1, but apparently 6 Re1 is okay. https://www.365chess.com/game.php?gid=4462694