ECO C25 · Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense

Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense: Steinitz Gambit, Paulsen Defense

1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. d4 Qh4+ 5. Ke2 d6

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

6. Nf3−0.22

The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.

Analyze this position

In the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense: Steinitz Gambit, Paulsen Defense (C25), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. d4 Qh4+ 5. Ke2 d6, Stockfish 18 recommends 6. Nf3 for White. The position is roughly equal (−0.22).

Top engine moves

  1. −0.226. Nf3 Bg4 7. Bxf4 O-O-O 8. Be3 Nf6 9. Kd2 Bxf3 10. Qxf3 d5
  2. −1.046. Nd5 Bg4+ 7. Nf3 f5 8. Nxc7+ Kd7 9. Nxa8 fxe4 10. Bxf4 Nf6
  3. −1.126. Qd3 Bg4+ 7. Nf3 O-O-O 8. Bxf4 Bxf3+ 9. Kxf3 Ne5+ 10. Bxe5 dxe5

Frequently asked questions

What is the best move in the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense: Steinitz Gambit, Paulsen Defense?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. d4 Qh4+ 5. Ke2 d6, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 6. Nf3 for White, continuing Bg4 7. Bxf4 O-O-O 8. Be3 Nf6 9. Kd2 Bxf3 10. Qxf3 d5. The position is roughly equal (−0.22). The next best moves are 6. Nd5 (−1.04) and 6. Qd3 (−1.12).
Is the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense: Steinitz Gambit, Paulsen Defense a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.22: 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 Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense: Steinitz Gambit, Paulsen 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+).