Use the centre to gain time
In this sample, Black accepts the pawn with 3...exf4. White pushes 4.e5, attacking the knight on f6. The lesson then shows how Qe2 renews that threat and Nf3 prevents the annoying queen check on h4.
Two lines from our repertoire
Follow each line from the starting position. The notes explain the position after the displayed move, including the plan for the next move. These are repertoire examples; your opponent can choose other replies.
Pause at the diagrams to see the idea. The highlighted squares show the last move; the note explains what comes next.
Moves use international algebraic notation: N = knight, B = bishop, R = rook, Q = queen, K = king.
1. How to Punish Greed? (1)
1. e41... e5After 1... e5Developing the ♞ to c3, not rushing with the development of the kingside pieces
2. Nc32... Nf6After 2... Nf6If the logical response ♞g8-f6 is played, we apply our Vienna Gambit — playing f2-f4, heating things up in the center of the board
3. f4
After 3... exf4White to move. At the board3... exf4After 3... exf4Capturing the pawn with ♟e5xf4 is already an inaccuracy, allowing us to push ♟e4-e5, attacking ♞f6. Attack!
4. e54... Qe7After 4... Qe7Another option is defending ♞f6 by pinning along the "e" file. We respond symmetrically with ♛e2, renewing the threat to capture the knight
5. Qe25... Ng8After 5... Ng8We play ♞g1-f3, preventing the annoying check ♛h4+. Our plan is simple: seize the center, regain the ♟f4, and develop a serious initiative, confidently exploiting Black's lag in development
6. Nf36... f6After 6... f6Black might try to undermine the center instead of developing with ♞b8-c6. In this case, we capitalize on Black's neglect of development by attacking with ♞c3-d5!
7. Nd5After 7... Qc5White to move. At the board7... Qc5After 7... Qc5Notice the confrontation between ♛e2 and ♚e8 along the "e" file — ♟e5xf6, announcing a discovered check
8. exf6+8... Kd8After 8... Kd8Don't forget about the hanging ♞d5 in the center, but don't rush to remove it. We respond with a cunning counterattack ♟f6-f7, attacking not only ♞g8 but also threatening mate (♛e2-e8)
9. f79... Qxd5After 9... Qxd5Black has fallen into our trap! Announce mate in one move!
After 10. Qe8#Black to move. At the board10. Qe8#
2. The Beautiful Mate on the Edge of the Board!
1. e41... e5After 1... e5Developing the ♞ to c3, we take our time with the pieces on the kingside.
2. Nc32... Nf6After 2... Nf6In response to the logical move ♞g8-f6, we unleash our Vienna Gambit by playing f2-f4, heating things up in the center.
3. f4After 3... exf4White to move. At the board3... exf4After 3... exf4Grabbing the pawn with ♟e5xf4 is already an inaccuracy, letting us push ♟e4-e5, attacking ♞f6. Attack!
4. e54... Qe7After 4... Qe7Another option is protecting ♞f6 with a pin along the e-file. We respond symmetrically with ♛e2, renewing the threat to capture the knight.
5. Qe25... Ng8After 5... Ng8We play ♞g1-f3, preventing the annoying check ♛h4+. Our plan is simple: seize the center, regain the ♟f4, and build a strong initiative, capitalizing on Black's lag in development.
6. Nf36... Nc6After 6... Nc6We seize the center with ♟d2-d4, clearing the path for the dark-squared ♝c1.
7. d4After 7... f6White to move. At the board7... f6After 7... f6Black tries to pressure White's center, ignoring piece development. We punish Black with the formidable leap ♞c3-d5, attacking ♛e7.
8. Nd58... Qd8After 8... Qd8Notice the opposition between ♛e2 and ♚e8 — ♟e5xf6, delivering a discovered check.
9. exf6+9... Kf7After 9... Kf7Unfortunately for Black, their ♚ can't escape. With precise play, White achieves mate in five moves. We play ♞f3-g5, forcing the ♚ to "extend its journey" to g6.
10. Ng5+10... Kg6After 10... Kg6Our play is straightforward: "continue the hunt" on the ♚ with a series of checks. We play ♛e2-d3, offering our ♞g5 as a sacrifice.
11. Qd3+After 11... Kxg5White to move. At the board11... Kxg5After 11... Kxg5Combining the pleasant with the useful — ♝c1xf4, developing the piece and giving check. The rest is a piece of cake.
12. Bxf4+12... Kh5After 12... Kh5We play ♛d3-f5, delivering a check.
13. Qf5+13... g5After 13... g5We capture the pawn — ♛f5xg5 with a mate for the Black ♚.
After 14. Qxg5#Black to move. At the board14. Qxg5#
Original commentary from Theoria’s opening lessons, prepared by FIDE Master Maksims Golubovskis.
Put the idea on the board
Open this opening in the trainer to study and practise its lines. Start with one line, explain the purpose of each move, then try to recall it without hints.