Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, l'Hermet Variation, Berlin Wall Defense

A solid and defensive variation of the Ruy Lopez, the Berlin Wall Defense often leads to a slow and strategic middlegame.

The Berlin Wall Defense, also known as the Berlin Defense, l'Hermet Variation, is a popular and solid opening choice for black against the Ruy Lopez. It is characterized by black's early development of the knights and the exchange of the light-squared bishops, leading to a pawn structure that is difficult for white to break through. This opening gained popularity in the early 2000s, particularly after Vladimir Kramnik used it to successfully defend against Garry Kasparov in their 2000 World Championship match.

The Berlin Wall Defense often leads to a slow and strategic middlegame, with both sides maneuvering their pieces and trying to create weaknesses in the opponent's position. Black's king is often centralized on d8, which can be both a strength and a weakness, depending on the position. White typically has more space and better piece coordination, but black's solid pawn structure makes it difficult for white to create any significant threats.

This opening is a favorite among top-level players who prefer a solid and defensive approach with the black pieces. It is also a good choice for amateur players looking to improve their understanding of pawn structures and strategic play. However, it is important to note that the Berlin Wall Defense can lead to somewhat passive positions for black, so players who prefer a more aggressive and dynamic style may not find it to their liking.