Don Chess

Learn the Vienna Game

Looks harmless, but it isn’t: first the knight goes to c3, then often the f4 push. The Vienna lures opponents into unfamiliar territory.

You play with White. How you learn it with Don Chess: watch first, then play it with an arrow, then from memory – with spaced repetition until it sticks. Free, no sign-up.

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The main line

1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.f4 d5 4.fxe5 Nxe4 5.Nf3 Be7 6.d4

C29 · Vienna Game: Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation

The position after the main line

The moves explained

Why is each move played? The explanations come from the opening trainer – there you play the moves yourself afterwards.

  1. 1.e4 Occupies the centre with a pawn on e4.
  2. 1…e5 Occupies the centre with a pawn on e5.
  3. 2.Nc3 Develops the knight to c3 – pieces out first, then attack.
  4. 2…Nf6 Develops the knight to f6 – pieces out first, then attack.
  5. 3.f4 Gambit: the pawn on f4 is offered – for quick development and open lines.
  6. 3…d5 Attacks the pawn on e4 – the fight for the centre begins.
  7. 4.fxe5 Takes the pawn on e5.
  8. 4…Nxe4 Takes the pawn on e4.
  9. 5.Nf3 Develops the knight to f3 – pieces out first, then attack.
  10. 5…Be7 Develops the bishop to e7 – pieces out first, then attack.
  11. 6.d4 Occupies the centre with a pawn on d4.

Idea and plans

The idea

2.Nc3 prepares f4, similar to the King’s Gambit but better prepared.

Plan for White

Open the f-file with f4, or play quietly against f7 with Bc4 and d3.

Plan for Black

Open the centre with …Nf6 and …d5 before White can play f4 favourably.

The 8 lines in the course

Grey: the moves shared with the main line. Bold: the move where the line leaves it.

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More openings