ECO C25 · Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense

Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense

1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4

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Black to move. The arrow shows Stockfish’s best move.
Best move

3… exf4−0.49

Black is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense (C25), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4, Stockfish 18 recommends 3… exf4 for Black. Black is slightly better (−0.49).

Top engine moves

  1. −0.493… exf4 4. Nf3 g5 5. g3 Nf6 6. d4 d5 7. Nxg5 Bg4 8. Be2
  2. −0.103… Bc5 4. Nf3 exf4 5. Bc4 d6 6. d3 Ne5 7. Bb3 Ng6 8. Nd5
  3. +0.103… d6 4. Nf3 Nd4 5. d3 Nf6 6. Be2 Be7 7. O-O c6 8. Kh1

All Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense variations (14)

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 3… exf4 for Black, continuing 4. Nf3 g5 5. g3 Nf6 6. d4 d5 7. Nxg5 Bg4 8. Be2. Black is slightly better (−0.49). The next best moves are 3… Bc5 (−0.10) and 3… d6 (+0.10).
Is the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.49: black is slightly better. 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 Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense?
C25. 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+).