Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense · C25
Main line
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4
In the centre, White holds e4 while Black holds e5.
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... Nc6 Develops the knight to c6, eyeing d4 and e5. It also props up the e5 pawn. Theory calls this the Max Lange Defense.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 15 in the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.