ECO C44 · for White
Ponziani Opening
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
4,246,945 games in this band reached the Ponziani Opening position. From there White won 50% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 Nd5 6. cxd4 Bb4+ 7. Bd2 Bxd2+ 8. Nbxd2 O-O
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. Nf3
The most natural move, developing the Knight with tempo
2... Nc6
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and supporting the e5 pawn.
Moves 3 to 4
3. c3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4
3. c3
Advancing the c-pawn in order to play d4 and gain space in the center.
3... Nf6
Developing the knight and attacking White's hanging e4 pawn.
- 3... Bc5: Developing the dark-squared bishop and fighting for control of the d4 square. However White can still play d4 here.
- 3... d6: Strengthening the center and opening up the light-squared bishop to develop.
4. d4
4... exd4
Moves 5 to 6
5. e5 Nd5 6. cxd4 Bb4+
5. e5
5... Nd5
6. cxd4
6... Bb4+
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bd2 Bxd2+ 8. Nbxd2 O-O
7. Bd2
7... Bxd2+
8. Nbxd2
8... O-O
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles kingside
- The pawn on d4 generally recaptures the pawn on e5
- The bishop on b5 usually captures the knight on c6
- The kingside rook often develops to e1
- The light-squared bishop can develop to b5, c4, or d3
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Zukertort Opening for White