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A great opening for beating sub-2000 players

posted by: bendcat (2430 views)

From: Rickdd2 The Ponziani is the main opening I used as White when I climbed from 1600 USCF to eventually 2130 over about three years. My coach GM Alex Wojtkiewicz (R.I.P.) suggested it as an easy way to trip up class players who likely don't have time to study this somewhat obscure opening and figure they'll just play it over the board if they encounter it. Unfortunately for them, the "natural" moves are the wrong ones and they can easily fall into some traps. This opening is also good for online blitz and bullet games for the same reason.

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2430 views | 7 comments

Comments:

by erad1288 - 14 months ago
VA United States

Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 134

In the best line for black which you say the books say 3...d5, after Qa4 Qd6, what do you suggest for white? Is it Bb5, or do you think something like exd5 and d4? Isn't there any variation of the Ponziani that is considered good for black? If not, then why is it not played at the top levels? I am rated about 1900 right now, and I just wanted to know what your thoughts on the Ponziani are. Thanks again.

by Shpoogen - 12 months ago
Russellville, AR United States

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 3

way rock'n! i gotta check it out!!

by venkatesh920 - 11 months ago
Chennai India

Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 169

cool! i never knew ponziani wud lead to such an active game!

by Fifthwd - 10 months ago
Houston United States

Member Since: Dec 2007
Member Points: 3

As a new player, seems ok but I'm rookie

by smartxpeep - 9 months ago
Mchenry United States

Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 10

this is soooooo cool hey alex willl you go out with me now?

by chawil - 4 months ago
Lowestoft, Suffolk United Kingdom

Member Since: Dec 2007
Member Points: 262

Interesting but... there's always the Sicilian waiting in the background.

by mschosting - 2 months ago
Portugal Portugal

Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 310

in the sicilian najdorf I play a similar line altough way more risky white sac 3-5 or even 5 pawns just for initiative 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. c3 Nf6 4. Be2 Nc6
5. d4 cxd4 6. cxd4 Nxe4 7. d5

Its a very hard line to play and brings loads of fun, not recommended at all against engines, but against humans its a deadly weapon! obviously Nxe4 looses the N to Qa4+ so black as to go Qa5+ and white continues with Nc3, there are too many complications too explain here better just try it!