Theoria
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Ponziani Opening

Leonhardt Variation

C44gambittacticaloffbeat

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.c3d5
  4. 4.Qa4Nf6
198 games45%52%

Ponziani line in which Black answers 4. Qa4 with 4...Nf6, letting White win the e5-pawn with 5. Nxe5 in exchange for development and compensation.

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About the Leonhardt Variation

In the Leonhardt Variation, Black meets the pin 4. Qa4 with 4...Nf6, developing instead of defending e5, and White usually takes with 5. Nxe5. The hasty 5...Nxe4 loses material after 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. Qxc6+. Black instead plays 5...Bd6 6. Nxc6 bxc6, when 7. Qxc6+ Bd7 no longer wins d5. After 7. d3 O-O, Black has a lead in development and compensation for the pawn. The engine rates the position as balanced.

Popular continuations