I really don't like it after 3...d5

I do like the Scotch Gambit as it can catch out the unwary opponent. Learning the white side of it has helped me become familiar with the transposing lines into Giuoco Piano and Two Knight's Defense. Lots of fun!

And you're quite right - the Ponziani is pretty useless if your opponent is prepared or has access to an opening database. It is a useful surprise weapon in blitz chess against the unwary opponent!

+0.41

I prefer the Two Knights defense, but the Pianissimo crap makes me want to barf, and as far as I know it's basically unavoidable if the opponent wants to play it.

For some reason, now that I've gone back to 1.e4 e5 (Kaufman repertoire) I am getting a lot of Evan's Gambit. Doesn't worry me as much as it used to. I was expecting a lot more Lev Alburt / Roman Dzindzi Giuoco Piano lines

play 2 knights

I play 3...Nf6

Ng5 d5 b5!

b5? Do you mean Bb5?

Btw, current position is;

Not sure what you're suggesting.

sorry Ng5 d5 exd5 b5

Interesting but isn't Na5 simpler and stronger?

depends on your opponent. If he is prepared, then yes. If he isn't, then no

I think my opponent is prepared with databases and an army of forumers at is side

Without glancing at a database it looks completely unsound. It might be okay for a blitz game, but I wouldn't even try it in a long game or correspondence game.

if white plays Bc1, then white retains an advantage. anything else and black is winning

I guess you mean Bf1 but according to the game explorer dxc6 and Bxb5 also scores well.

sorry im multitasking not checking my notation. dxc6 trades a strong bishiop for a mere knight, Qxd5 after Bxb5 is winning

The online database statistics support what you say, but it doens't seem right. I very much like white's position after both Bxb5 and dxc6, but I would prefer black after Bf1.

Edit: I guess I'll do a little research since I'm clearly either missing something or it's a big statistical fluke.

I originally read this concept in one of Schiller's books. Its a fun opening, and my pet line against Ng5 :)

d3 Nc3 and Ng5 are my candidates btw