Ponziani Opening: Leonhardt Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 Nf6
5. Nxe5+0.21
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Ponziani Opening: Leonhardt Variation (C44), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 Nf6, Stockfish 18 recommends 5. Nxe5 for White. The position is roughly equal (+0.21).
Top engine moves
- +0.215. Nxe5 Bd6 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. d3 O-O 8. Nd2 c5 9. Be2 c4
- −0.265. Bb5 Bd7 6. exd5 Nxd5 7. Qe4 Nf6 8. Qe2 Be7 9. d3 O-O
- −0.525. d3 Bd6 6. Bg5 dxe4 7. dxe4 h6 8. Bxf6 Qxf6 9. Nbd2 Bd7
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Ponziani Opening: Leonhardt Variation?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 Nf6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 5. Nxe5 for White, continuing Bd6 6. Nxc6 bxc6 7. d3 O-O 8. Nd2 c5 9. Be2 c4. The position is roughly equal (+0.21). The next best moves are 5. Bb5 (−0.26) and 5. d3 (−0.52).
Is the Ponziani Opening: Leonhardt Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.21: the position is roughly equal. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Ponziani Opening: Leonhardt Variation?
C44. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; C is the volume for open games and the French Defense.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).