Vienna Game · C25
Zhuravlev Countergambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Bb4 3. Qg4 Nf6
Nc3 first keeps f4 available: White chooses between a kingside pawn storm and quiet Italian-style play, and Black must be ready for both.
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... Bb4 Develops the bishop with tempo - it attacks the knight on c3.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 41 in the Vienna Game. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.