

The Vienna Game is one of the most underrated openings in modern chess. While the Ruy Lopez and Italian dominate elite practice, the Vienna offers rich, creative play with far less theoretical burden and enormous practical value.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 1: 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 exf4 - Martin vs Adams
This course presents three main approaches:
f2–f4 systems – aggressive, King’s Gambit-style positions with added flexibility
Early Bc4 lines – solid setups with long-term pressure (including the wild Frankenstein–Dracula Variation)
g3 systems – positional control of d5 with attacking potential
The Vienna leads to complex, original middlegames and makes you extremely difficult to prepare for. IM Andrew Martin, FIDE Senior Trainer and long-time ChessBase author, guides you through this versatile and dangerous opening weapon.
The Vienna Game, analysed in the mid 19th century by a group of Viennese chessplayers, was often played in tournaments by Wilhelm Steinitz (1836–1900), Jacques Mieses (1865– 1954) and Rudolf Spielmann (1883–1942). With 2.Nc3, White first makes a useful developing move, which, in contrast to 2.Nf3 does not block his f-pawn. That allows him more flexibility in his kingside setup. Black usually replies 2...Nc6 or 2...Nf6, when White finds himself with three different continuations: