Vienna Opening

The Vienna Game!

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Note: The variations covered will only deal with those that were played in the games featured in this article.

Note 2: Most of the work in this section is taken from "The Vienna Game" section in the first series of articles covering Steinitz's weird opening adventures, "The World Champions' Weirdest Pets - Wilhelm Steinitz and the Vienna Game."

Note 3: All of these games, except the first game vs. Shipley, where Shipley picked the line to be played, were from simultaneous exhibitions.

The Vienna Gambit, a line of the Vienna Game, is the older sibling of the King's Gambit - more controlled and less flashy. Make no mistake, though, for the Vienna Gambit remains a highly sharp opening with a lot of lines that are very difficult to evaluate. However, the f4 push is delayed and better prepared in the Vienna Gambit, so the wild lines in the King's Gambit are more tame in the Vienna Gambit. The Vienna Gambit is an opening that has stood the test of time as it was highly popular in the Romantic era and is still seen to this day even at the highest levels, especially in rapid and blitz. The Vienna Game itself can also be played quite slowly with moves such as 3. g3, so it's not like the Vienna Gambit is the only line that exists after the Vienna Game. Therefore, the Vienna Game is a very flexible and dangerous weapon.