Bishop's Opening · C26

Vienna Hybrid, Spielmann Attack

1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. d3

White posts a bishop on c4 eyeing f7 and keeps the option of either Italian-style development or an early f-pawn push.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Nc3 Develops the knight to c3, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the e4 pawn. Theory calls this the Vienna Game.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Falkbeer Variation.

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