Vienna Game: Adams' Gambit position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bc4 Nxe4 4.Qh5 Nd6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.d4. White: queen on h5, pawn on d4, bishop on b3, knight on c3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, king on e1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on c6, knight on d6, pawn on e5.
Vienna Game: Adams' Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bc4 Nxe4 4.Qh5 Nd6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.d4. It is classified C27 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Vienna Game develops the queen's knight before the king's knight, keeping the option of an early f4 push. It is less common than the Ruy Lopez or Italian, which makes it a practical way to reach original positions without abandoning classical principles.
Strategic character
Flexible, with two personalities. Quiet lines resemble a delayed Bishop's Opening, while the Vienna Gambit with f4 produces a sharp attacking game close to the King's Gambit but with an extra developing move in hand.
Who should play it
1.e4 players who want a sound but less-charted alternative, with the option of playing for an attack.
This line is a variation within the Vienna Game family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bc4 Nxe4 4.Qh5 Nd6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.d4.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Vienna Game: Adams' Gambit?
The Vienna Game: Adams' Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bc4 Nxe4 4.Qh5 Nd6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.d4. It is classified C27 in the ECO system. The Vienna Game develops the queen's knight before the king's knight, keeping the option of an early f4 push. It is less common than the Ruy Lopez or Italian, which makes it a practical way to reach original positions without abandoning classical principles.
What are the moves of the Vienna Game: Adams' Gambit?
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bc4 Nxe4 4.Qh5 Nd6 5.Bb3 Nc6 6.d4. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Vienna Game: Adams' Gambit good for beginners?
1.e4 players who want a sound but less-charted alternative, with the option of playing for an attack.