Vienna Variation
- 1.d4Nf6
- 2.c4e6
- 3.Nf3d5
- 4.Bg5Bb4+
1,280 games
A Queen's Gambit Declined line in which Black meets 4. Bg5 with a bishop check, often transposing to Ragozin and Vienna positions. Roughly balanced.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Vienna Variation
In this line Black answers the early 4. Bg5 of the Nf3 move order with 4...Bb4+, developing with tempo before deciding on ...dxc4. The usual reply, 5. Nc3, reaches the Ragozin position with 5. Bg5, from which ...dxc4 leads to the Vienna proper. The second choice, 5. Nbd2, blocks with the other knight to avoid the pin, and 5. Bd2 is rare. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced.