Ponziani Opening · C44

Steinitz Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 f6

The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. Black's knight on c6 is pinned against the king.

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. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 4 more moves in this line, 8 in all.