Ponziani Opening | Lesson 30

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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.

Petroff Defense | Lesson 29

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Lesson 29 will help you learn the Petroff Defense chess opening. It includes 3 chess videos: Video 1 Petroff Defense General Information, Video 2 Petroff Defense How to Play, and Video 3 Petroff Defense Trap. Video 1 is located on this page, Videos 2-3 on separated pages (their links below). The lesson also holds the PGN file to download, replay and learn how the Petroff Defense games are played in real.

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I. Petroff Defense: Data and Variations

Opening Name: Petroff Defense
Type: Open Game opening (begins with 1.e4 e5)
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6
ECO Codes: C42-C43



Petroff Defense: General Description

This chess opening is named after the first recognized Russian chess master Alexander Petroff (Petrov). Alexander Petroff (1794-1867) is also a famous world chess composer. In Russia, this opening is called the Russian Game. The opening may be also spelled as Petrov, Petrov's, Petroff, or Petroff's Defense.

The Petroff Defense opening is recognizable, respected, and a popular Open Game at the chess master level. It is being played at the top level chess. The main feature of Petroff Defense is the the following: Instead of defending the e5 pawn, Black counter-attacks at the very beginning to take the initiative.

The Petroff Defense may transpose into the Four Knights Game, Bishop's Opening, and into some other openings. For chess beginners, it is important to learn one trap which is possible at the very beginning of this opening (see video 2). The best White moves to answer Petroff Defense are the following 3:

(1) 3.Nxe5 (common today appr. for 60%), (2) 3.d4 (common today appr. for 20%), and (3) 3.Nc3 (common today appr. for 15%). Officially, Petroff Defense has 28 variations. As today, the most common 6-8 variations are being played for appr. 90% of all games on Petroff Defense. 3 most common variations of the Petroff Defense are:

1. Cozio (Lasker) Attack. 2. Modern (Steinitz) Attack. 3. Petroff Three Knights Game.

II. Petroff Defense: Learn 3 Videos (1 Trap)

To get a picture on this chess opening, you are recommended to see Video 1: Petroff Defense General Information. The video runs for 2 min. 26 sec.. It will give you general information, show some statistics, 3 common variations and more... To learn the Petroff Defense chess 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: Petroff Defense - How to Play, click this link:
• See Video 2: Petroff Defense - How to Play
Note: You can find Video 2 at the bottom of the page open.

To see Video 3: Petroff Defense Trap, click this link:
• See Video 3: Petroff Defense Trap
Note: You can find Video 3 at the bottom of the page open.

III. Petroff Defense: Download PGN File

Find below the Petroff-Defense.pgn file to download and see how it works in real games at the chess master level. To read the file, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. See Lesson 16, which explains you how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program.

The Petroff-Defense.pgn file was compiled in the following way:

• The file includes 3 main variations and displays how to correctly play them.
• Also, the file includes 16 chess games played on Petroff Defense in 2009.
• The chess games were selected randomly, all FIDE players rated 2389-2751.

• All the names of the chess players were removed.
• The game results and tournament names were removed as well.
• The games are shown from the beginning to the end of the opening phase.

• At this point, the positions were analyzed by a computer program.
• You will see the result of the program's analysis, like this...
• "If White finds a best line ..., White will be better at 0.24 pawns."

• The computer program's analysis will help you:
• To analyze who was better at playing the opening.
• To understand how to correctly enter the middle game...

To see how Petroff Defense works in real games at the chess master level, click the following link:

• Download the Petroff-Defense.pgn File, 9 KB

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see the chess games inside it, you will need a PGN Viewer software. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer.

• Chess Openings for Beginners - See All Lessons

The next one to study on this website is the Ponziani Opening (Lesson 30). And on this page you've learned the Petroff Defense chess opening, C42-C43, which starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6... The Petroff Defense is a representative of open game chess openings because it starts with 1.e4 e5.

Petroff Defense Video How to Play Variations

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Video - Petroff Defense How to Play Variations: This chess opening video on Petroff Defense will help you learn 3 main variations of this opening. This video is also designed to help you develop feel of correctly playing Petroff Defense and learn ideas, developing squares, etc.

Before you play the video, please read the following information to better understand a general picture on playing Petroff Defense... Officially, there are 28 variations of Petroff Defense. But, there are only 6 main variations that cover appr. 95% of all the games played on Petroff Defense.

The video will display 3 (of 6) main variations that cover appr.60% of all the games played on Petroff Defense - The calculations were made based on the recent games played on Petroff Defense at the chess master level. To see the Petroff Defense How to Play video, 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 replay on the chess board and learn the Petroff Defense variations which were shown in the above video, see them in writing below:

Main Variation 1: Petroff Defense - Cozio (Lasker) Attack Variation, C42
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.d3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Qxe2+ 8.Bxe2 Be7 9.Nc3 c6 10.O-O-O Na6
Note: C42 is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 {3.Any White move but not d4

Main Variation 2: Philidor Defense - Classical Attack Variation, C42
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.c4
Note: C42 is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 {3.Any White move but not d4

Main Variation 3: Petroff Defense - Modern(Steinitz) Attack Variation, C43
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Be7 6.0-0 0-0 7.c4 Nf6
Note: C43 is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 {3... Any Black move

Be sure to see also Video: Petroff Defense - Learn This Trap. The video will show you the main trap of Petroff Defense which is very common for chess beginners. After this, you must be safe to play Petroff Defense. The Petroff Defense - Learn This Trap video is located on this page:

• The Petroff Defense Trap - Video

You can also access the above video from the Main Page of Petroff Defense.

Petroff Defense Trap Video

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Video: Petroff Defense Trap: Find this chess video on the chess opening trap below. The video will show you the Petroff Defense opening trap, which is possible at the very beginning of the game... The Petroff is reliable. It is safe to play for Black. The Petroff Defense opening is also popular at the top-level chess. From the very beginning, Black attempts to take the initiative. Within the Petroff Defense opening, Black may get good opening position to explore...

But there is one common trap that you must know about... The following is more information on this trap. The designated moves of Petroff Defense have just been made... 2 knights and 2 pawns at the center under opposition... White is taking the pawn and... The first desire of the Black player is to take the White pawn in respond. Be aware of this mistake... There is only one best move for Black to answer. For sure, Black may safely take the White pawn but little later.

Besides, the Black blunder may follow the mistake. If the blunder move is made, it will be too late for Black... The video will show you how to use and how to avoid the trap... The Petroff Defense: Learn This Trap video is ready to show up. You will learn the mistake, the blunder, the correct line of play, and why it is not recommended to make this mistake within Petroff Defense... To see and learn this video on chess opening traps, just 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.

You have seen the video about the Petroff Defense Trap. After this, you are recommended to return back to the Main Page of Petroff Defense (see the link at the top of this page).

Philidor Defense | Lesson 28

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This chess opening lesson is designed for beginners to learn Philidor Defense. The lesson holds 4 chess videos (Video 1: Philidor Defense - General Information | Video 2: Philidor Defense - How to Play | Video 3: Philidor Defense - Trap 1 | Video 4: Philidor Defense - Trap 2)...

Video 1 is located on this page; Videos 2-3-4 on separated pages. Find the links to Videos 2-3-4 on this page below... The lesson is also the textual part to read and the .PGN file to download and learn the real chess games, which were played on Philidor Defense in 2009 by chess masters.

By composition, this chess opening lesson is divided into 3 parts:
I. Philidor Defense: Data and Variations
II. Philidor Defense Videos: See a Picture, How to Play, and 2 Traps
III. Philidor Defense PGN File: Download and Learn Real Games

• Latest Chess Opening Information and New Links

I. Philidor Defense: Data and Variations

Opening Name: Philidor Defense
Type: Open Game opening (begins with 1.e4 e5)
Move Order: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6
ECO Code: C41



Philidor Defense: Description

This chess opening is named after the famous 18th century player Francois-Andre Philidor. The main 2 features of Philidor Defense are the following: 1. Black creates strong defense, but his chess pieces are limited in movement. 2. If you want to play Philidor Defense for Black, be sure to learn 2 traps.

The best White moves to answer Philidor Defense are 3.d4 (for 60-70%) or 3.Bc4 (for 10-15%). As an answer for the White move 3.d4, it is not recommended for Black to play 3... Bg4? or 3... f5?!. At the chess master level, it is popular to use the alternative move order for Philidor Defense.

II. Philidor Defense Videos: See a Picture, How to Play, and 2 Traps

Now, you are recommended to see Video 1: Philidor Defense - General Information. To see and learn the Philidor Defense chess opening in a visible way, just 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.

See also Video 2: Philidor Defense - How to Play clicking the next link:

See Video 2: Philidor Defense - How to Play
Note: You can find Video 2 at the bottom of the page open.

See also Video 3: Philidor Defense - Trap 1 by clicking the next link:

See Video 3: Philidor Defense - Trap 1
Note: You can find Video 3 at the bottom of the page open.

See also Video 4: Philidor Defense - Trap 2 by clicking the next link:

See Video 4: Philidor Defense - Trap 2
Note: You can find Video 4 at the bottom of the page open.

III. Philidor Defense PGN File: Download and Learn Real Games

Find below the Philidor-Defense.pgn file to download and see how this opening works in real games at the chess master level. To read the file, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. See Lesson 16, which explains you how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program. Before downloading the file, please read in which way it was compiled and what you will see within it.

The Philidor-Defense.pgn file was created in the following way:

• The file includes main variations and displays how to correctly play 3 variations.
• In addition, the file includes 24 chess games played on Philidor Defense in the year 2009.
• The chess games were selected randomly, all FIDE players rated 2027-2696.

• All the names of the chess players were removed, their ELO ratings kept intact.
• The game results and tournament names were removed as well.
• The chess games are shown from the game beginning to the middle game stage only.

• At this point, the positions were analyzed by a computer program.
• You will see the result of the program's analysis, like this...
• "If White finds a best line ..., Black will be slightly better at 0.09 pawns."

• The computer program's analysis will help you:
• To analyze who was better at playing Philidor Defense.
• To understand how to correctly continue the middle game...

To see how Philidor Defense works at the chess master level, click the following link:

• Download the Philidor-Defense.pgn File (15 KB)

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see the chess games inside it, you will need a PGN Viewer software. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer.

• Chess Openings for Beginners - See All Lessons


The next chess opening to study on this website is the Petroff Defense (Lesson 29). And on this page you've learned the Philidor Defense chess opening, ECO C41, which starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6... The Philidor Defense is a representative of open game chess openings because it starts with 1.e4 e5.

Philidor Defense How to Play

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Philidor Defense - How to Play is the chess video which represents a general picture on how to play the Philidor Defense chess opening. You can find this chess opening video below. The following is what it is all about...

The Philidor Defense - How to Play video will show you how to play 2 variations of Philidor Defense. It will also give a Short If-Then Reference on playing this chess opening. Please be advised that it is only the short reference...

The video will display Exchange Variation and Improved Hanham Variation. It will also show the main lines and main move-answers. To see the Philidor Defense - How to Play video, just 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 replay on the chess board and learn the Philidor Defense variations which were shown in the above video, see them in writing below:

Variation 1: Philidor Defense - Exchange Variation
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Bf4 O-O 7.Qd2 a6 8.0-0-0

Variation 2: Philidor Defense - Improved Hanham Variation
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Qe2 c6 8.a4 Qc7

The below is how to play Philidor Defense in general. For Black, it is a strong defense but limited in movement. There are 2 main lines: 3.d4 (main) and 3.Bc4. The 3.d4 line is common for 60-70%... Be sure to learn 2 traps within the Philidor Defense opening.

As an answer for the White move 3.d4, it is not recommended for Black to play 3... Bg4? or 3... f5?!. Nowadays, at the chess master level it is popular to use an alternative move order to begin Philidor Defense. The alternative move order may be this one: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3...

You have seen the 2nd video on Philidor Defense. Now you are recommended to return to the Main Page of Philidor Defense to continue (see the link at the top of this page).

Philidor Defense Trap 2 Learn

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Philidor Defense: Trap 2 - Learn. This chess video will show you Trap 2, which begins from the Philidor Defense opening. Please remember: If you want to play Philidor Defense for Black, be sure to have learned the Philidor Defense traps. Read more on Trap 2 next...

The game starts as Philidor Defense. Then it transposes into another chess opening... Inside the video, pay close attention to and be sure to learn this typical position. If Black makes a looked-to-be "strong move", he will be trapped. The combination is called the Legal's Mate...

Learn Trap 2 to know how to use and avoid the trap... The best White answer for Philidor Defense is 3.d4... Please be aware of the 3.Bc4 line (second line) in Philidor Defense. To see and learn this video Philidor Defense: Trap 2 - Learn, just 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.

You have seen the 4th video on Philidor Defense. Now you are recommended to return to the Main Page of Philidor Defense to continue (see the link at the top of this page).

Philidor Defense Trap 1 Learn

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Philidor Defense: Trap 1 - Learn. This chess video will show you Trap 1 within the Philidor Defense chess opening. Please remember: If you want to play Philidor Defense for Black, be sure to have learned the Philidor Defense traps. New video on Philidor Defense Trap 2 is to be published soon.

Learn Trap 1 to know how to use and avoid the trap... The best White answer for Philidor Defense is 3.d4... Please be aware of the 3.Bc4 line (second line) in Philidor Defense. To see and learn this video Philidor Defense: Trap 1 - Learn, just 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.

You have seen the 3rd video on Philidor Defense. Now you are recommended to return to the Main Page of Philidor Defense to continue (see the link at the top of this page).

A Vienna Game Chess Opening Trap

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Below on this page you can see a video dedicated to a Vienna Game chess opening trap. See it below to learn this chess opening trap which may be delivered by a White player, provided that the Black king makes a wrong move in the Vienna Game. The result of this opening trap is Black being checkmated at the start of the game.



Before seeing the video, please look at the above picture and read the text below... The Vienna Game chess opening starts as 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 (see the picture). Then the Vienna Game may run via this line: 2... Nf6 3.Bc4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 d5! (strong Black move with better position for Black).

Note 1. Instead of 4.Nxe4, White should play 4. Qh5 Nd6 5. Qxe5+ (or 5.Bb3).
Note 2. Instead of 4.Nxe4, White may play 4.Bxf7+ with trapping threat.
Note 3. Now you are ready to see the below video on the Vienna Game trap.

The video will show you the Vienna Game trap as possible White answer for the Black attempt to conduct the nice positional combination on d5. This trap is possible only if the Black king makes a blunder. Learn this trap and know how to avoid it!

After the check on f7 by a White bishop, the Black king must return back to avoid the trap. If so, then the opening position will be equal. If not... See the video Vienna Game Learn This Trap by clicking 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 the Main Page of the Vienna Game

You have seen the 3rd video on the Vienna Game chess opening on this website -- dedicated to a chess opening trap in the Vienna Game. Now you are recommended to return to the Main Page of the Vienna Game to continue (see its link just above or at the top of this page). Thank you!

Vienna Game | Lesson 27

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This lesson is designed for chess beginners to learn the Vienna Game chess opening. The lesson includes the following 3 chess videos on the Vienna Game: Video 1 General Information, Video 2 How to Play, and Video 3 Learn This Trap. Video 1 on the Vienna Game chess opening is located on this page below.

Video 2 and Video 3 (see their links below) are located on separated pages, and they will open in the same window of your browser. This chess lesson also includes the text to read, the pictures to see, and the PGN file to download and learn the real games which were played by chess masters on the Vienna Game.

Note. At the bottom of Part I (Vienna Game: Official Data and Lines), you can see and study 6 proven lines how to correctly play the Vienna Game.

• Latest Chess Opening Information and New Links

I. Vienna Game: Official Data and Lines

Opening Name: Vienna Game
Type: An Open Game opening (starts with 1.e4 e5)
Move Order: 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3
ECO Codes: C25-C29



The Vienna Game chess opening was invented in the 19th century by a group of Vienna's chess players lead by chess master Carl Hamppe. Vienna Game was born as "delayed King's Gambit" with White playing 3.f4. This variation is still being played today, together with some other variations.

Within the Vienna Game, Black can get good position. To answer Vienna Game, the best 3 moves for Black are: *2... Nf6, *2... Nc6, and *2... Bc5. Black often uses the strong pawn move on d5, which works in many positions of this opening. However, in rare situations White might trap on Black's d5.

The Vienna Game trap with d5 is shown in Video 3: 1 Trap - Learn Vienna Game Chess Opening Trap. The Vienna Game may transpose into the King's Gambit Declined, the Four Knights Game, and some other openings. The Vienna Game is organic and very beautiful in play. It can be met at the top-level of chess.



Study 6 proven lines how to correctly play the Vienna Game:
• 2... Nf6 3.f4 d5! 4.fxe5 Nxe4 5.Nf3 Be7!
(sharp: if 5.d3 Qh4+ 6.g3 Nxg3 7.Nf3 Qh5 8.Nd5 Nxh1 9. Nxc7+ Kd8 10. Nxa8)
• 2... Nf6 3.Bc4 Nxe4 4.Qh5 Nd6 (if 4.Nxe4 d5!) 5.Bb3 Nc6 (or 5.Qxe5+ Qe7)
• 2... Nf6 3.g3 Bc5 4.Bg2 d6 5.Nf3 Nc6
• 2... Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bb4 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6
• 2... Bc5 3.Nf3 d6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 Nc6 6.Be3

II. Vienna Game: 3 Videos and 1 Trap

Now, you are recommended to see Video 1: Vienna Game - General Information. To learn the Vienna Game chess opening in a visual way, just 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, click the next link:

• Video 2: Vienna Game How to Play Some Variations

To see Video 3, click the next link:

• Video 3: 1 Trap - Learn Vienna Game Chess Opening Trap

In Part III, you can download the Vienna Game PGN file to open and learn how this chess opening is played at the chess master level.

III. Vienna Game: Download PGN File to Learn Real Vienna Games

Find below the Vienna-Game.pgn file to download and see how the Vienna Game works in real games at the chess master level. To read the file, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. See Lesson 16, which explains you how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program - you will need this chess program to open and replay all chess games within the PGN file. Before downloading the Vienna-Game.pgn file, please read how it was compiled and what you will see within it.

The Vienna-Game.pgn file was created in a special way, explained below:

• The file includes main variations and displays how to correctly play two of them.
• The file includes 24 chess games played on the Vienna Game in the year 2009.
• The chess games were selected randomly, all FIDE players rated 2051-2725.

• All the names of the chess players and their ratings were removed.
• The game results and tournament names were removed as well.
• The chess games are shown from the start of the game to the middle game.

• At this point, the positions were analyzed by a computer program.
• You will see the result of the program's analysis, like this...
• "If White finds a best line ..., Black will be still better at 0.52 pawns."

• The computer program's analysis will help you:
• To analyze who was better at playing the Vienna Game.
• To understand how to correctly continue the middle game...

To see how the Vienna Game works in real games at the chess master level, download and read with a PGN viewer the next PGN file:

• Download the Vienna-Game.pgn File (14 KB)

Note 1. The above 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.

To see all lessons on Chess-Openings-for-Beginners.Blogspot.com:

• Chess Openings for Beginners - See All Lessons

The next chess opening to study on this website is the Philidor Defense (Lesson 28). And on this page you've learned the Vienna Game chess opening, ECO codes C25-C29, which starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3... The Vienna Game is a representative of open game chess openings because it starts with 1.e4 e5.

Vienna Game How to Play Video 2

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Vienna Game - How to Play Some Variations (continued). Video 2 will show how to play some variations of Vienna Game and the Black's d5 positional combination, which is a typical one for the Vienna Game opening.

The video will also display Short If-Then Reference on playing Vienna Game best. It is only short reference... To see Video 2: Vienna Game - How to Play Some Variations, just 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 replay on the chess board and learn the Vienna Game chess opening variations, which were shown in the above video, see them in writing below:

Variation 1: Vienna Game - Main Line (Vienna Gambit)
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.f4 d5 4.fxe5 Nxe4 5.Nf3 Be7 6.d4 0-0 7.Bd3 f5 8.exf6 Bxf6 9.0-0 Nc6

Variation 2: Vienna Game - The 2... Nc6 Variation
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bb4 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 Qxf6 8.Ne2 d6 9.d4 0-0 10.0-0

You have seen the 2nd video on Viena Game. Now you are recommended to return to the Main Page of Viena Game to continue (see the link at the top of this page).

Danish Gambit | Lesson 26

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This lesson on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com is designed for chess beginners to learn the Danish Gambit chess opening. The Danish Gambit is an original, mobile and exiting chess opening. The Danish Gambit is very specific, risky and "may-be-quick" opening which is also aggressive for White: White gives up 1 or 2 pawns on will, to get fast development and attack.

As a rule, White gets overwhelming development and quickly deliver a powerful attack. The main task of Black in a Danish Gambit game is not to break down at the beginning and try to take steps for his own development and reducing the power of White. As for White, it is important to keep the power of 2 bishops (not to exchange) -- especially when the gambit is accepted.

So, the Danish Gambit games are divided into the Danish Gambit Accepted and Danish Gambit Declined... To reduce the power of White or sharpness of strong attack, Black may takes only 1 pawn, conducts a counter-gambit and returns back the sacrificed material at a later stage. Mostly as 3 to 4, Black accepts the gambit with 3... dxc3. The Danish Gambit is rarely played at top level.

The Danish Gambit is popular at beginner level but must be used sparingly. This gambit opening is very effective for White at novice level against a player who never met it before. Is the Danish Gambit good or is the Danish Gambit bad is explained in Chapter III at the bottom... To learn how to correctly play the Danish Gambit chess opening with all variations and lines, see Chapter II.

I. Danish Gambit Explained

Chess Opening Name: Danish Gambit
Moves to Memorize: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3. c3
Encyclopedia of Chess Openings Code: C21
Note. ECO code C21 is not only Danish Gambit.



The Danish Gambit was invented by a Danish chess player in the 19th century, and it belongs to the Open Game chess openings (Open Games start with 1.e4 e5). The main feature of the Danish Gambit was already stated above, namely: White offers a sacrifice of 1 or 2 pawns on will to get quick overwhelming development and attack (while attacking, White must be mobile).

The Danish Gambit is a sub-variant of the C21 Center Game (1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4), but the Danish Gambit is a separate chess opening. Under the correct defense, Black can neutralize the White quick development... Because of this, the Danish Gambit is not popular at the top-level of chess but is playable and used as surprise. As for beginners, it is very exiting beautiful and nice opening...

It must be good idea to play the Danish Gambit against an unprepared opponent who is a novice (chess beginner)... You are not recommended (as beginner) to play the Danish Gambit as White party against a chess master. Playing the Danish Gambit as White against the master, you may find shortly that the greatest part of your game was only a great beginning :-(.

• 2 Chess Videos to Get a Feel of the Danish Gambit

II. How to Play the Danish Gambit

The below information on the Danish Gambit variations and how to play the Danish Gambit links will help you learn the following: how to play the Danish Gambit step by step, how to make the correct Danish Gambit moves (you will see proven lines played by chess masters and evaluated by chess engine; you will see Danish Gambit lines including the Declined and Accepted and all variations; you will learn a Danish trap)...

Study below the Danish Gambit all variations (3 official ones):
1. Collijn Defense:     3... dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2 Qe7
2. Schlechter Defense: 3... dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2 d5
3. Soerensen Defense: 3... d5

Use the following links to learn how to play the Danish Gambit (all variations):

• How to Play the Danish Gambit Accepted 3... dxc3 (Most Common)

• How to Play the Schlechter Defense of the Danish Gambit Accepted

• How to Play the Danish Gambit Declined (Soerensen Defense)

• How to Play the Unknown Collijn Defense 5... Qe7

• Danish Gambit | PGN File

Use the link below to see on another page Video 3 which will help you learn the important Danish Gambit trap delivered by White -- the trap will show how Black may lose the queen:

• Video 3: Danish Gambit - Learn This Important Trap

III. Is the Danish Gambit Sound?

Is the Danish Gambit sound opening or is the Danish bad? If we compare playing chess with war, the Danish Gambit opening must definitely resemble a blitzkrieg: the attacker mobilizes all his power to bring a swift victory, and it's important for the defender to repulse the first powerful attack. If the defender encounters it for the first time, he may be overwhelmed...

If the defender knows how to respond, the attacker may have some or even big problems... Blitzkrieg is a good tactic, but it must not be used in all the battles. However, it is effective when no time to think (in blitz chess games)... The Danish Gambit is a sound chess opening without any flaw, but it should be used sparingly. The Danish Gambit is also a good chess opening for chess beginners.

To see all lessons on this chess opening website, and more:

• Chess Openings for Beginners - See All Lessons

• How to Learn Openings on This Website

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This is the main page for the Danish Gambit on chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com and Lesson 26 for chess beginners on this chess opening website. On this page, you could find information on the Danish Gambit chess opening and the needed links to learn how to play it. The Danish Gambit is an exciting opening for beginners. In chess games, it should be used sparingly.

Danish Gambit Learn Important Trap

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Here you can learn a very important chess opening trap which may occurs in the Danish Gambit chess opening (1.e4 e5 2.d4 ed 3. c3 (see the picture below)). This trap may be delivered by White provided that Black makes a blunder in the Danish Gambit Shlechter Defense variation (3... dc 4.Bc4 cb 5.Bxb2 d5).



The Danish Gambit trap is a very serious chess opening trap because the Black player may loose his queen at the very beginning of the chess game. To learn the Danish Gambit trap, see the chess video below. To see the video and learn how to deliver this trap for White and to avoid for Black, click the Play button below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.

To return to the main page of the Danish Gambit, click the following link:

• To the Main Page of Danish Gambit

You have seen the 3rd video on the Danish Gambit chess opening which was dedicated to the important Danish Gambit trap which is possible within the Shlechter Defense variation of this opening. Remember: Within the Danish Gambit Shlechter Defense variation, never play for Black 6.c6?? (6.Bxd5 c6??)...

Center Game | Lesson 25

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This lesson is designed for chess beginners to learn Center Game. It includes 2 chess videos (Video 1: Center Game - Main Variations | Video 2: Center Game - How to Play), the textual part to read, and the .PGN file to download and see Center Game games played in the year 2009.

The Center Game lesson is divided into the following 3 parts:
I. Center Game: Data and Variations
II. Center Game: How to Play the Main Lines
III. Center Game: Download the .PGN File to See Real Games.

• Latest Chess Opening Information and New Links

I. Center Game: Data and Variations

Chess Opening Name: Center Game
Type: An Open Game opening (begins with 1.e4 e5)
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 ed 3.Qxd4
ECO Codes: C21-C22 (C21-C22 are not only Center Game)



About Center Game:

Center Game is an old chess opening. It belongs to the Open Game openings. Center Game breaks the rule "No Queen Out Too Early," and the White Queen is brought out already on the 3rd move. This opening was abandoned, it was revived... Center Game is being played at the master level today. It is an easy chess opening to learn.

Center Game Main Variations:
• The 3.... Nc6 Variation: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 ed 3.Qxd4 Nc6 (C22)
• Paulsen Attack: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 ed 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 (C22)
• Charousek Variation: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 ed 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 Bb4+ 5.c3 Be7 (C22)
• Berger Variation: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 ed 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 Nf6 (C22, most common)

To learn Center Game and its main variations, see Video 1: Center Game - Main Variations by clicking the Play button below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.

II. Center Game: How to Play the Main Lines

You may learn the main variations of Center Game. Within Center Game, you should know Berger Variation which is the most common and which goes 1 step down from Paulsen Attack. You should learn not to play 5.e5? for White... For this, use Video 2: Center Game - How to Play; which is below. To see Video 2: Center Game - How to Play, just click the Play button below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.


See in writing the Center Game variation, which was shown in Video 2:

• Center Game, Berger Variation:
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4 Nc6 4.Qe3 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Bd2 0-0 7.0-0-0 Re8 8.Bc4 d6

III. Center Game: Download the .PGN File to See Real Games

Find below the Center-Game.pgn file to download and see how the Center Game opening works in real games at the chess master level. To read the file, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. See Lesson 16, which explains you how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program - You need this chess program to open and replay all chess games within a PGN file. Before downloading the Center-Game.pgn file, please read how the file was compiled and what you will see within it.

The Center-Game.pgn file was specially created in the following way:

• The file includes main variations and displays how to correctly play some of them.
• In addition, the file includes 24 chess games played in 2009 on Center Game.
• The chess games were selected randomly, all players are FIDE rated 1689-2489.

• All the names of the chess players and their ratings were removed.
• The game results and tournament names were removed as well.
• The chess games are shown from the beginning to the end of opening phase only.

• At this point, the opening positions were analyzed by a computer program.
• You will see the result of the program's analysis, like this...
• "If White finds a best line ..., White will be better at 0.47 pawns."

• The computer program's analysis will help you:
• To analyze each chess opening position.
• To understand how to correctly enter the middle game...

To see how Center Game works in real games, click the following link:

• Download the Center-Game.pgn File, 11 KB

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see the chess games inside it, you will need a PGN Viewer software. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer.

[*See Inside: Bishop's Opening    King's Gambit]

[*See Outside: Chess Video Blog]

• Chess Openings for Beginners - See All Lessons

This completes the lesson on the Center Game chess opening. The next opening to learn is Danish Gambit (see Lesson 26 in the list of all lessons. Find the link to all lessons at the top of this page - thanks you very much for learning chess openings).

Latvian Gambit | Lesson 24

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On this page of chess-openings-for-beginners.blogspot.com we will learn the Latvian Gambit chess opening. The Latvian Gambit starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 and occupies the ECO code C40 (ECO stands for the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings; C40 is 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3). The official name of the opening is Latvian Counter-Gambit but usually the chess players call it as Latvian Gambit.

Welcome to the Latvian Gambit chess opening which is aggressive for black, considered dubious, played very rarely at master level, not played at top-level -- but which is beautiful for chess beginners, popular among the correspondence players and beginners and which is worthy to try!

I. Latvian Gambit: Data and Variations

Chess Opening: Latvian Gambit
Other Names: Latvian or Greco Counter-Gambit
Moves to Memorize: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5
ECO Code: C40



The Latvian Gambit is one of the oldest chess openings and was very popular in old times. It was analyzed in the 17th century by Gioachino Greco and called Greco Counter-Gambit. Then the Gambit was named after the Latvian players headed by Karl Behting who contributed a lot to the theory of this opening at the beginning of the 20th century (the Behting variation of the Latvian).

The Latvian Gambit is a sample of the Open Game chess openings which start with 1.e4 e5, and the parent of the Latvian Gambit is the King's Knight Opening with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... On the second move black pushes the undefended f-pawn on f4 (conducting gambit) to sacrifice and undermine the white center: the Latvian is like a King's Gambit for black ("reversed King's Gambit").

The Latvian Gambit is highly recommended for chess beginners to learn -- as an Open Game, it is struggle from the very beginning, with tactical fight... It is a Gambit which is also recommended for beginners... The Latvian Gambit is aggressive, risky, and may be dubious for black... Is the Latvian Gambit sound? Why do chess masters play the Latvian Gambit so rarely?

We will answer the above questions below, but just before few sayings of chess players on the Latvian from a chess forum on chess.com: • "The Latvian Gambit, though a very aggressive Black defense against white, is a great opening with good merits and supports good chances against white!", • "It's too aggressive and isn't very good because white gains a tempo and developmental edge and white USUALLY gets a space advantage; however, black can get solid if they play it properly."

• "After extensively analyzing it with some computer buddies and real buddies, white can get a very longterm and easy advantage if played the correct variation." • "I have come to the conclusion that it is sound but it just is not practical for OTB (over-the -board) play. In some lines black is very close to lost, and in others just positionally worse. However, most of the lines are very sharp and tactical, and most people don't know much theory. If you are playing against players below say 2200-2300, and you are familiar with many of the tactics, and are good at calculation... then it can really throw your opponent off!"...

Today's technologies gives the proper answer to the above questions. After the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5, the chess engine evaluates the position on the board as follows: +1.65 at depth 10, +1.48 at depth 20, and +1.42 at depth 30. The first +1.65 means that the white position is much better as if white won 1.65 pawns in material. The chess engine estimation prompts the following.

For the grandmaster and chess master, 1.65 in chess engine evaluation does matter. It is a big luxury for them to gift 1.65 advantage at the very beginning of the game -- but it is nothing to worry about for the chess beginner. Moreover, if the beginner know how to play the Latvian Gambit, he or she shall overcome the resistance of another beginner who doesn't know the Latvian.

There were attempts to prove that the Latvian Gambit is mistaken, and the experts do not recommend to play the Latvian for black -- however, today the Latvian Gambit is still alive... Yes, it's nice opening for chess beginners and rare opening for chess master (in 2019, the Latvian was played at master level as 1 game to 10000 with master ratings being at 1600-2100).

Some chess master players, rated at 1600-2100, intentionally play the Latvian Gambit to get both the position complicated and the opponent confused. Sometimes it works... The Latvian answering statistics are shown below. For white, the best answer for the Latvian Gambit is 3.Nxe5. The Latvian Gambit has 7 official variations, and it must be a good chess opening for the beginner to try...

Latvian Gambit Answering Statistics and Official Variations

Below is answering statistics to the Latvian Gambit chess opening:
3.Nxe5 ~55%, 3.d4 ~10%, 3.exd5 ~10%, 3.Nc3 ~8%, 3.d3 ~8%, 3.Bc4 ~5%.
To learn all 7 official variations of the Latvian Gambit with chess engine evaluations showing for each variation who is better and how much, click the following link:

• Learn 7 Official Variations of the Latvian Gambit

Note. Having visited the above link, now you know that the best for white is the corkscrew counter-gambit variation of the Latvian Gambit. As for black, the best is the Behting variation. Now you also know that the Nimzovich variation is the most common in today's play of the Latvian Gambit. Unofficially, the Nimzovich variation is called as the Main Line.

II. Latvian Gambit: How to Play the Main Lines

You may learn the main variations of Latvian Gambit. To see them, use Video 2: Latvian Gambit - How to Play; which is below. To see Video 2: Latvian Gambit - How to Play, click the Play button below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.


See in writing the Latvian Gambit variations, which were shown in Video 2:

• Latvian Gambit, Main Line:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 3.Nxe5 Qf6 4.d4 d6 5.Nc4 fxe4 6.Be2! Qf7 7.Nc3 Bf5 8.0-0 Nf6 9.f3! Ng4

• Latvian Gambit, Leonhardt Variation:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 3.Nxe5! Qf6 4.Nc4 fxe4 5.Nc3 Qg6 6.d3 Bb4 7.Bd2 Bxc3 8.Bxc3 d5 9.Ne5 Qf5 10.dxe4 Qxe4+ 11.Be2 Nf6 12.0-0 c6

Note. The above video and the playing information are turning to be old -- instead, special links will be placed next below to show you how to correctly play proven lines of the Latvian Gambit, including the Main Line of the year 2019.

• The Latvian Gambit Answering Statistics and Calculated Lines

• How to Play Main Line or Nimzovich Variation of the Latvian

III. Latvian Gambit: Download PGN File

Below you can download the Latvian-Gambit.pgn file to see how the Latvian Gambit works in real games at the chess master level. To read the file, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. See Lesson 16 to download a PGN Viewer Program - You need it to open and replay all chess games within a PGN file. Before downloading the PGN file, please read how the Latvian-Gambit.pgn file was compiled.

The Latvian-Gambit.pgn file was specially created in the following way:

• The file includes main variations and displays how to correctly play some of them.
• In addition, the file includes 16 real games played in 2008-2009 on Latvian Gambit.
• The real games were selected randomly, all players are FIDE rated 1691-2462.

• All the names of the chess players and their ratings were removed.
• The game results and tournament names were removed as well.
• The real games are shown from the beginning to the end of opening phase only.

• At this point, the opening positions were analyzed by a computer program.
• You will see the result of the program's analysis, like this...
• "If White finds a best line ..., White will be better at 0.83 pawns."

• The computer program's analysis will help you:
• To analyze each chess opening position.
• To understand how to correctly enter the middle game...

To see how Latvian Gambit works in real games, click the following link:

• Download the Latvian-Gambit.pgn File, 10 KB

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see the chess games inside it, you will need a PGN Viewer software.

You can find more on chess by clicking the following link:
• Chess Videos Blog (a sister chess blog)

• Chess Openings for Beginners - See All Lessons

This completes the lesson on the Latvian Gambit chess opening. The next opening to learn is the Center Game (see Lesson 25 in the list of all lessons. Find the link to all chess opening lessons at the top of this page, or just above).

King's Gambit Video 3

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Lines of King's Gambit (continued): Video 3 will show you how to play the next 2 variations: 1. KGA: King's Knight's Gambit, Fischer Defense (1.e4 e5 2.f4 ef 3.Nf3 d6); and 2. KGA: King's Knight's Gambit, Abbazia (Modern) Defense (1.e4 e5 2.f4 ef 3.Nf3 d5).

The video will also show how to respond if the Black Queen attack at the very beginning of the game. At the bottom of this page, you can find the above 2 variations of King's Gambit in writing. To see Video 3: King's Gambit - How to Play - Part II, click the Play button below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.


See in writing the King's Gambit variations, which were shown in Video 3:

• KGA: King's Knight's Gambit, Fischer Defense
1.e4 e5 2.f4 ef 3.Nf3 d6 4.d4 g5 5.h4 g4 6.Ng1 Bh6 7.Nc3 Nc6 8.Qd3 Nf6 9.Nge2 d5

• KGA: King's Knight's Gambit, Abbazia (Modern) Defense
1.e4 e5 2.f4 ef 3.Nf3 d5 4.ed Nf6 5.Bb5+ c6 6.dc Nxc6 7.d4 Bd6 8.Qe2+ Be6 9.Ng5! 0-0 10.Nxe6 fe 11.0-0 Qc7

To return to the Main Page of King's Gambit, click the following link:

• To the Main Page of King's Gambit

You have just seen the 3rd video on King's Gambit. To continue, now you are recommended to return to the Main Page of King's Gambit (see the link above or see it at the top of this page).

King's Gambit | Lesson 23

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This lesson is designed for beginners to learn the King's Gambit chess opening. It includes 3 chess videos (King's Gambit Main Variations, King's Gambit How to Play Part I, King's Gambit How to Play Part II), the text to read, and the PGN file to download and learn real games of chess masters on the King's Gambit.

• Latest Chess Opening Information and New Links

King's Gambit: Data and Variations

Chess Opening Name: King's Gambit
Type: An Open Game opening (starts with 1.e4 e5)
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.f4
ECO Codes: C30-C39



About King's Gambit

King's Gambit is one of the oldest chess openings. King's Gambit belongs to the Open Game openings. It was the most popular one for long time long ago. Today, King's Gambit is being played at the chess master level but not so often. It is usually recommended for Black to accept King's Gambit. Black may get good equal position...

The opening's idea is to divert the Black pawn e5 from the center, open the f-file, and seize the center by moving d2-d4. King's Gambit has at least 125 subvariations, of these the most common 10-15. Today's tendency is to play King's Gambit "more positionally." It is recommended for beginners to learn King's Gambit at first turn...

King's Gambit Main Variations

Top-level Variations:
• King's Gambit Declined: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 (other than ef)
• King's Gambit Accepted: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 ef

Some Other Variations:
Note: KGD - King's Gambit Declined.
Note: KGA - King's Gambit Accepted.
Note: KKG - King's Knight's Gambit.

• KGD, Classical Variation: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 Bc5
• KGD, Falkbeer Counter-Gambit: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 d5
• KGA, King's Bishop's Gambit: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 ef 3.Bc4
• KGA, King's Knight's Gambit: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 ef 3.Nf3

To learn King's Gambit and its main variations, see Video 1: King's Gambit Main Variations by clicking the Play button below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.

King's Gambit: How to Play the Main Lines

The main lines of King's Gambit. Video 2 will show how to play the next variations: 1. KGD: Classical Variation (C30: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 (Bc5)); 2. KGD: Falkbeer Counter-Gambit, 5.de (C32: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 d5 3.ed e4 4.d3 Nf6 5.de); and 3. KGA: King's Bishop's Gambit (C33: 1.e4 e5 2. f4 ef (3.Bc4)). To see Video 2: King's Gambit - How to Play - Part I click the Play button below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.


See in writing the King's Gambit variations, which were shown in Video 2:

• KGD: Classical Variation
1.e4 e5 2.f4 Bc5 3.Nf3 d6 4.c3 Nf6 5.fe de 6.Nxe5 Qe7 7.d4 Bd6 8.Nf3 Nxe4 9.Be2 0-0 10.0-0 c5 11.Bc3

• KGD: Falkbeer Counter-Gambit, 5.de
1.e4 e5 2.f4 d5 3.ed e4 4.d3 Nf6 5.de Nxe4 6.Nf3 Bc5 7.Qe2 Bf5 8.Nc3 Qe7 9.Be3 Bxe3 10.Qxe3

• KGA: King's Bishop's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 ef 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bb3 d5 6.ed cd 7.d4 Bd6 8.Nge2 0-0 9.0-0 g5

Video 3: King's Gambit How to Play Part II is located on a separate page:

• See Video 3: King's Gambit - How to Play Part 2

King's Gambit: Download PGN File to Learn Real Games

Below you can find and download the Kings-gambit.pgn file to see how King's Gambit works in real games at the chess master level. To read the file, you will need a PGN Viewer Program. See Lesson 16, which will explain you how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program - You need this chess program to open and replay all chess games within a PGN file. Before downloading the Kings-Gambit.pgn file, please read how the file was compiled and what you will see within it.

The Kings-Gambit.pgn file was specially created in the following way:

• The file includes main variations and displays how to correctly play some of them.
• In addition, the file includes 32 real games played in 2009 on King's Gambit.
• The real games were selected randomly, all players are FIDE rated 2015-2635.

• All the names of the chess players and their ratings were removed.
• The game results and tournament names were removed as well.
• The real games are shown from the beginning to the end of opening phase only.

• At this point, the opening positions were analyzed by a computer program.
• You will see the result of the program's analysis, like this...
• "If White finds a best line ..., White will be better at 1.02 pawns."

• The computer program's analysis will help you:
• To analyze each chess opening position.
• To understand how to correctly enter the middle game...

To learn how Kin'g Gambit works in real games, click the following link:

• Download the Kings-Gambit.pgn File, 17 KB

Note 1. The above file is to be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download.
Note 2. To read the above PGN File and see the chess games inside it, you will need a PGN Viewer software. See Lesson 16, which explains how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer.

• All Lessons for Beginners to Learn Chess Openings

This completes the lesson on the King's Gambit chess opening. The next opening to learn is Latvian Gambit (see Lesson 24 in the list of all lessons. Find the link to all lessons at the top of this page - and thanks for learning chess openings).

Bishop's Opening | Lesson 22

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This lesson is designed for chess beginners to learn the Bishop's Opening. It includes data to read, 2 chess videos, and the PGN file to see and analyze real games on the Bishop's Opening. The Bishop's Opening is named in such a way because the White bishop on the 2nd move goes on c4 to attack f7 and prevent the Black d-pawn on d5...

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I. Bishop's Opening: Data and Variations

Opening Name: Bishop's Opening
Type: Open Game chess opening (starts with 1.e4 e5)
Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4
ECO Codes: C23-C24



About Bishop's Opening

The Bishop's Opening belongs to the Open Game chess openings which start with e4 e5. The Bishop's Opening is one of the oldest openings in chess, and it was a favorite opening of Francois Andre Philidor. Not so common today at master level, it is being used by chess masters as a surprise weapon for White. The Bishop's Opening is usually a fierce struggle from the very beginning.

The main feature of the Bishop's Opening is its flexibility and "changeability": It may easily transposes into other chess openings such as Vienna Game, Petrov's Defense, King's Gambit, Two Knights Defense, Italian Game. For White, the Bishop's Opening is not so popular at master level because Black may easily get equal position by answering 2... Nf6 (the strongest answer)...

Watch a Bishop's Opening Trap - The Scholar's Mate

However, the Bishop's Opening is popular at beginner level. And it may be recommended for beginners to start to learn chess openings from this one (because correctly playing the Bishop's Opening shows how to implement 3 opening strategies for White and Black)... When you are in the Bishop's Opening, always watch the Scholar's Mate -- a simple trap among the beginners.

The Scholar's Mate may run as 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nc6 3.Qh5 Nf6?? 4.Qxf7# - a mate with the queen-bishop attack on f7. To avoid the Scholar's Mate, you may play 2... Nf6 (instead of Nc6) to attack h5. Or, (instead of 3... Nf6??) 3... g6 4.Qf3 Nf6; or simply 3... Qe7 -- defending f7. Always watch the weak f7 at the beginning!.. The Bishop's Opening has 20 official variations...

Bishop's Opening Main Variations
• Berlin Defense: 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 (most common for 70-80%)
• Classical Defense ("Boi Variation"): 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5 (less common)
• Other Variations (2. ... c6; 2. ... Nc6; 2. ... d6; others)

• See 20 Official Variations of the Bishop's Opening

To get a visual feel of the Bishop's Opening, you can see Video 1 below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.

II. Bishop's Opening: How to Play the Main Lines

You should know how to correctly play the main lines of the Bishop's Opening. To learn them, see Video 2: Bishop's Opening - How to Play; which is below. Just next below the video, you can find the main lines also in writing. To see Video 2: Bishop's Opening - How to Play, click the Play button below:




• If the opening video has not shown up, please wait a little.
• If the video stops, drag a little right the player's handle.


The following is a few recommendations how to learn the main lines of any chess opening. The main lines are best opening moves for White and Black. Try to avoid mechanical memorizing. Use the chess board. Analyze how both sides apply 3 main opening strategies and main opening rules. Learn the main lines to develop the feeling of correctly playing a chess opening.

See the main lines of Bishop's Opening in writing:

Line 1 (Bishop's Opening, Berlin Defense, The Main Line 3.d3)
1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d3 c6 4.Nf3 d5 5.ed cd 6.Bb3 Bb4+ 7.c3 Bd6 8.Bg5 Be6 9.0-0 0-0 10.Nbd2 Nbd7
• How to Play the Berlin Defense Variation of the Bishop's Opening

Line 2 (Bishop's Opening, Berlin Defense, Urusov Gambit Accepted 3.d4 ed 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qxd4)
1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.d4 ed 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Qxd4 Nf6 6.Bg5 Be7 7.Nc3 Nc6 8.Qh4 d6 9.0-0-0 Be6
• How to Play the Ponziani and Urusov Gambits of the Bishop's Opening

Line 3 (Bishop's Opening, Berlin Defense, Greco Gambit 3.f4)
1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 3.f4 Nxe4 4.d3 Nd6 5.Bb3 e4 6.de Nxe4 7.Bxf7+ Kxf7 8.Qd5+ Ke8 9.Qxe4+ Qe7

Line 4 (Bishop's Opening, Classical Defense, Philidor Variation 3.c3)
1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Bc5 3.c3 Nf6 4.d4 ed 5.cd d5!
• How to Play the Classical Variation of the Bishop's Opening

Note. The above Line 4 shows how to correctly play the Boi variation (the Boi variation is an unofficial name of the Classical variation of the Bishop's Opening with 1.e4 e5 2. Bc4 Bc5).

III. Bishop's Opening: Download PGN File to See Real Games

Below you can download the Bishops-Opening.pgn file to see how this opening works in real games. To read the file, you will need a PGN Viewer Program (see Lesson 16 to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer Program - you will need it to open and replay all chess games within a PGN file). Before downloading the Bishop's-Opening.pgn file, please read how it was created first.

The Bishop's-Opening.pgn file was specially created in the following way:

• The file includes main variations and displays how to correctly play the main lines.
• In addition, the file includes 24 real games played in 2008-2009 on Bishop's Opening.
• The real games were selected randomly, all players are FIDE rated 2017-2684.

• All the names of the chess players and their ratings were removed.
• The game results and tournament names were removed as well.
• The real games are shown from the beginning to the end of opening phase only.

• At this point, the opening positions were analyzed by a computer program.
• You will see the result of the program's analysis, like this...
• "If White finds this best line ..., White will be better at 0.55 pawns."

• The computer program's analysis will help you:
• To analyze each chess opening position.
• To understand how to correctly enter the middle game...

To learn how Bishop's Opening works in real games, click the following link:

• Download the Bishops-Opening.pgn File, 15 KB

Note 1. The above file will be downloaded from Google Drive. First click the above link to open, then click the download icon to download the PGN file.
Note 2. To read the above PGN file and see the chess games inside it, you will need a PGN Viewer software. (see Lesson 16 which will explain you how to download a decent freeware PGN Viewer software).

This completes Lesson 22 on the Bishop's Opening. The next opening to learn is King's Gambit (see Lesson 23 in the list of all chess opening lessons. You can find the link to all chess opening lessons at the top of this page). Please be advised that additional information will be added (via additional link on this page) to show how the Bishop's Opening is being played at the chess naster level in the year 2019.