Theoria
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Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense

Cunningham Defense

C25solidgambit

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nc3Nc6
  3. 3.f4exf4
  4. 4.Nf3Be7
1,099 games47%50%

A quiet response to the Vienna Gambit's Knight Variation, in which Black develops with 4...Be7 instead of supporting the f4-pawn with ...g5.

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About the Cunningham Defense

The Cunningham Defense, 4...Be7, is a quieter answer to the Knight Variation than 4...g5. Black keeps the extra pawn without committing the kingside pawns, develops a piece and prepares to castle. The most common reply is 5. d4, taking the center. 5. Bc4 is the main alternative, and 5. h4 is occasionally seen. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and Black scores slightly better in practice.

Popular continuations