ECO C25 · for White
Vienna Game
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.
15,522,839 games in this band reached the Vienna Game position. From there White won 51% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 g5 7. Bg3 d6
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 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. Nc3
Developing the knight while allowing for multiple possible continuations. Nf3, Bc4, g3, and f4 are all possible lines.
2... Nc6
Developing the knight while copying white and remaining flexible.
- 2... Nf6: Developing the knight while aiming to castle quickly and get the king safe.
- 2... d6: Supporting the e5 pawn anticipating a central break like f4 or d4.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5
3. Bc4
Developing the light-squared bishop and taking control of the central light squares.
- 3. Nf3: Developing the knight and remaining flexible. White can continue with a number of plans here.
3... Nf6
Developing the knight and fighting for control of the center.
- 3... Bc5: Developing the dark-squared bishop and fighting for control of the center.
4. d3
4... Bc5
Moves 5 to 6
5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 g5
5. Bg5
5... h6
6. Bh4
6... g5
Move 7
7. Bg3 d6
7. Bg3
7... d6
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 queenside
- The pawn on d3 generally recaptures the bishop on c4
- The kingside knight usually develops to e2
- The queen often develops to d2
- The bishop on g3 often moves to h4
- Common pawn moves are h4 and h5
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