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[• Get: PDF eBook on Ponziani Opening on This Page]
This Lesson 30 is designed for chess beginners to learn the Ponziani Opening, an oldest opening in the history of chess. The lesson includes text, PDF ebook and the following 2 chess videos: Video 1 Ponziani Opening General Information and Video 2 Ponziani Opening How to Play (see them below).
Note. The PGN file on the Ponziani Opening will not be developed on this website -- or may be later on. Instead, you can download a special free PDF ebook "Pozniani Opening: How to Win." Small in size, the above PDF ebook will provide you with detailed information on the Ponziani Opening.
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I. Ponziani Opening: Data and Variations
Chess Opening Name: Ponziani Opening
Type: Open Game opening (begins with 1.e4 e5)
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3
ECO Code: C44
Note. C44 is not only Ponziani Opening.
Note. C44 is also Tayler Opening, Inverted Hanham, and some others.
Note. Looking for Ponziani Opening games by C44, please check the move order.
Ponziani Opening General Description
Ponziani Opening is an oldest opening in the history of chess. It is named after Domenico Lorenzo Ponziani (1719 – 1796) who was an Italian law professor, priest, chess player, chess writer and composer. The opening is also called English Knight's Game or Staunton's Opening.
The main features of Ponziani Opening follows. By moving 3.c3, White goes for the center control. At the same time, the pawn on c3 slightly delays the White development of the minor pieces at the Queen's side. Because of this, today Ponziani Opening is being played rarely at all levels of chess.
Black may get slightly better position if he knows how to play it correctly. For White, Pozniani Opening may be effectively used from time to time against an unprepared opponent. To some extend, the opening is similar to Ruy Lopes (3.Bb5)and Italian Game (3.Bc4), which are much more popular today...
As a respond to Pozniani Opening, Black is to answer the following 1 of 5: (1) 3... d5 - one of the best moves; (2) 3... Nf6 - one of the best moves; (3) 3... f5 - old one (original Ponziani's move); (4) 3... Nge7; (5) 3... Be7. Officially, there are 11 variations; the most common 4-6.
Main Variations
Leonhardt variation, C44
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3 d5 4.Qa4 Nf6
Jaenisch Counterattack variation, C44
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3 Nf6
Ponziani Countergambit variation, C44
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3 f5
II. Ponziani Opening: Learn 2 Videos
To better understand this chess opening, you are recommended to see Video 1: Ponziani Opening - General Information. To learn Ponziani Opening in a visible way, click the Play button below:
• If the opening video hasn't shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.
To see Video 2: Ponziani Opening - How to Play, click the next link:
• Ponziani Opening Play Video
Note: You can find Video 2 at the bottom of the page open.
III. Ponziani Opening: Download PDF eBook
To learn Ponziani Opening, you can download the following PDF ebook:
• Ponziani Opening - How to Win, PDF eBook; 102 KB
Note 1. The above PDF file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. The above link will open in a new window of your web browser.
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• Chess Openings for Beginners - See All Lessons
The next chess opening to study on this website is the Scotch Game (Lesson 31). And on this page you've learned the Ponziani Opening, ECO C44, which starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3... The Ponziani Opening is a representative of open game chess openings because it starts with 1.e4 e5.
