Ponziani Opening Forced Exchange Questions - Chess Forums

Pikay

Feb 28, 2015

0

#1

In the ponziani opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3) is it possible for white to force bishop-for-knight (lose knight, capture bishop) exchanges on black? I am specifically interested in exchanging the queenside knight for black's light bishop, although that might be asking for too much.

Also, under ponziani, if both sides castle short side by move 9, which one of black's bishop is more defensively active?

Quickforte

Feb 28, 2015

0

#2

You should consider giving a diagram. I help but only if I get the diagram. I don't want a headache.

Pikay

Feb 28, 2015

0

#3

Here is the primary diagram. This is the basic ponziani setup. It is black's turn in the position shown.

And here are some of the moves black most often utilizes.

It is a 40% probability that black will exchange his dark rook with my queenside knight. This is also not bad. What I want specifically is how I can force him to exchange his light bishop for my knight.

cornbeefhashvili

Feb 28, 2015

0

#4

I usually play 3. ... f5 here.

Pikay

Feb 28, 2015

0

#5

That is the classical ponziani defense, prescribed by the developer of this opening. Black can counter white's kingside attacks after 4.exf5 or 4.Bb5 but I don't think of my rating (1250s blitz) would take the risk of such a daring defense.

I have a feeling that after 3...f5, black would try to castle queenside. I don't know the theory though. Just a thought.

cornbeefhashvili

Feb 28, 2015

0

#6

I base this on the Latvian Gambit. Knight on f3 currently prevents Qh5+. Pawn on d2 still has to move before Bg5 is a threat. On 4.d4 there is fxe4 or d6. The pawn on c3 prevents development of the key piece that wreaks havoc on c7, keeping the black queen locked up at home for a while.