ECO C29 · for White
Vienna Game: Vienna Gambit
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.
1,907,953 games in this band reached the Vienna Gambit position. From there White won 56% and drew 3%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4 exf4 4. e5 Ng8 5. Nf3 d6 6. d4 dxe5
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6
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. Nc3
Developing the knight while allowing for multiple possible continuations. Nf3, Bc4, g3, and f4 are all possible lines.
2... Nf6
Developing the knight while aiming to castle quickly and get the king safe.
Moves 3 to 4
3. f4 exf4 4. e5 Ng8
3. f4
Black cannot accept the gambit. Because after 4.e5, the black knight is kicked back to g8, giving White a huge lead in development.
3... exf4
A common response to the gambit, but a mistake. After playing e5 to kick the knight back to g8, White will have a huge lead in development.
- 3... d6: Strengthening the center and opening up the light-squared bishop to develop.
- 3... d5: Breaking in the center and opening up the position.
- 3... Nc6: Developing the knight to c6 and fighting for control of the center.
4. e5
4... Ng8
Retreating to the only available square.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nf3 d6 6. d4 dxe5
5. Nf3
Preventing Qh4+, blockading the f-pawn, and developing the knight.
5... d6
6. d4
6... dxe5
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.
- You can castle to either side, although castling kingside is most common
- The dark-squared bishop typically captures the pawn on f4
- The knight on f3 or pawn on d4 generally captures the pawn on e5
- The light-squared bishop usually develops to c4
- The knight on c3 often moves to e4
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