Ponziani Opening

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C44), reached after 5 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3.

Black rook — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

Black bishop — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

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5 replies continue into sub-variations from this position. Click any to drill deeper.

3…d5 4 lines
3…Nf6 3 lines
3…f5 2 lines
- C44 Ponziani Countergambit +1
3…Be7 1 line
- C44 Romanishin Variation
3…Nge7 1 line
- C44 Réti Variation

About this opening

Ponziani Opening is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C44. ECO group C (C00–C99) covers open games (1.e4 e5) and the French Defence, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Scotch and King's Gambit. This particular variation is reached after 5 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3.

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, 3.c3. From this position 5 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.