Chess opening · ECO C29
Vienna Game: Vienna Gambit
In the Vienna Gambit, White pushes 3.f4 with the knight already on c3. That move order matters: the knight guards e4 and d5, so the f-pawn can attack e5 without leaving the center bare. Black has three main ways to react: take on f4, hold e5 with ...d6, or answer in the middle with ...d5.
- Rank by weighted share
- #144 of 159
Key moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4
- 2. Nc3Developing the queen's knight first keeps the f-pawn free to move. From c3 the knight supports e4 and watches d5, the square Black most wants to use for a counter-strike.
- 3. f4The f-pawn attacks e5 and opens the f-file for later. If Black ever lets White play fxe5, the e5 pawn kicks the f6 knight and White gains space on the kingside.
Countering with 3...d5
Black answers a flank attack with a central one. After 4.fxe5 Nxe4, the knight lands on a strong central square and hits c3. White often plays 5.Nf3 and later d3 to push the knight away, while the e5 pawn gives White space but can become a target.
Taking with 3...exf4
If Black grabs the pawn, 4.e5 hits the f6 knight at once, and 4...Ng8 is a common retreat. White then develops with Nf3 and d4, planning to win back f4 with the c1 bishop. Black has an extra pawn for now but has had to undevelop a piece.
A typical 3...d5 sequence
3... d5 4. fxe5 Nxe4 5. Nf3 Be7 6. d3 Nxc3 7. bxc3
Black trades the strong knight for the one on c3, and White recaptures toward the center. White keeps the e5 pawn and a half-open f-file; Black has the d5 pawn and an easy path to castle.
Top replies by rating
Taking with exf4 leads every band from 1200 to 1799. From 1800 up, d5 moves to the front, and at 2000 and up it holds the largest share by a wide margin.
| Rating | Top | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | exf4 57% | d6 43% | – |
| 1200–1399 | exf4 45% | d5 26% | d6 17% |
| 1400–1599 | exf4 51% | d6 18% | Nc6 11% |
| 1600–1799 | exf4 34% | d6 27% | d5 16% |
| 1800–1999 | d5 43% | d6 28% | exf4 18% |
| 2000 and up | d5 72% | d6 16% | exf4 12% |
Related openings
Try it on the board. The first coached game and three analyses are free.