Theoria
8765432abcdefgh1

Ponziani Opening

Steinitz Variation

C44solidpositional

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.c3d5
  4. 4.Qa4f6
415 games47%48%

Ponziani line where Black meets 4. Qa4 with 4...f6, a solid if unnatural pawn defense of e5 that keeps the game level but denies the knight f6.

Train it in Theoria

About the Steinitz Variation

The Steinitz Variation, 4...f6, meets the pin and the threat of Nxe5 by guarding e5 with a pawn. It is considered solid and equal, though it takes f6 away from the king's knight. Against the traditional 5. Bb5, Black should play 5...Nge7, because 5...Bd7 favors White. After 5...Nge7 6. exd5 Qxd5 the position is unclear. The engine prefers 5. d3, which Nepomniachtchi has played. It gives up the idea of an immediate d4.

Popular continuations