Vienna Game: Max Lange Defence (transpose)
Vienna Game
Definition
The Vienna Game is an Open Game that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3. By developing the queen’s knight before the king’s knight, White keeps central tension and leaves several pawn breaks (f2–f4, d2–d4) in reserve. The opening is catalogued in ECO codes C25–C29.
Main Ideas & Typical Move Orders
- Flexible Development: 2.Nc3 controls d5 and prepares either Bc4 (Mieses variation) or f4 (Vienna Gambit).
- Early f-pawn thrust: In many lines White plays f2-f4, mimicking a King’s Gambit with an extra tempo.
- Transpositional Potential: The game can transpose into the Four Knights, Scotch, Bishop’s Opening or even a King’s Gambit Accepted.
Strategic Significance
Compared with 2.Nf3, the Vienna Game is less theoretically demanding and offers rich, unbalanced positions. Players who enjoy initiative-first chess often select it to sidestep well-trodden Petrov and Ruy Lopez theory.
Popular Branches
-
2…Nf6 3.f4 – The Vienna Gambit
Leads to sharp play; the famous “Frankenstein–Dracula” line occurs after
3…d5 4.fxe5 Nxe4 5.d3 Qh4+. -
2…Nc6 – Max Lange Defence
Covered in the next section. -
2…Bc5 (Anderssen Defence)
Black pins hopes on rapid kingside pressure; White usually reacts with 3.Nf3 or 3.Bc4. -
3.g3 systems
(after 2…Nf6) give a reversed Closed Sicilian flavour.
Historical Notes
- Named for masters in Vienna cafés of the late 19th century.
- Wilhelm Steinitz and Adolf Anderssen both employed it; later it was a favourite surprise weapon of Emanuel Lasker.
- In modern times Magnus Carlsen used the Vienna Gambit (vs. Jones, Isle of Man 2017) to win with a powerful kingside attack.
Illustrative Game
The legendary tactical slug-fest below shows the “Frankenstein–Dracula” thrills.
Interesting Tidbits
- The name “Frankenstein–Dracula” was coined in the 1960s because the line is “so scary it could wake the dead.”
- A quick transposition trick: after 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6 we arrive in a Four Knights, but White has kept f2–f4 in reserve.
Max Lange Defence (transpose from Nimzowitsch)
Definition
In Vienna-Game theory, the Max Lange Defence occurs after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 (ECO C25). The same position can be reached by the move-order 1. e4 Nc6 (the Nimzowitsch Defence) 2. Nc3 e5, hence the parenthetical remark “transpose from Nimzowitsch.” Max Lange (1832-1899) was a German master and problemist who analysed the line extensively.
Why Black Chooses It
- Symmetry & Solidity: By mirroring White’s knight, Black neutralises many early gambit attempts.
- Flexible Pawn Breaks: …f7-f5 or …d7-d5 can be prepared in one move, avoiding the need to recapture on f4 as in the Vienna Gambit.
- Transpositional Weapon: Black can steer the game into a Four Knights Game, a Ponziani-type centre, or even a reversed Scandinavian depending on White’s replies.
Key Continuations
-
3.Nf3 (Four Knights Route)
3…Nf6 4.Bb5 transposes to the Four Knights, Spanish Variation. -
3.f4 (Delayed Vienna Gambit)
After 3…exf4 4.Nf3, Black can hold the pawn with 4…g5 or return it with counter-play via 4…Qh4+. -
3.g3 (Steinitz Variation)
Leads to a reversed Closed Sicilian where Black may strike with …f5. -
3.d4 exd4 4.Nd5 (Max Lange Idea)
White leverages the advanced knight to pressure c7 and f6.
Example of the Transposition
Notice how the same position arises from two different openings:
- Vienna move-order: 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6.
- Nimzowitsch move-order: 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 e5.
Strategic Themes for Both Sides
- White: Decide between rapid central break (d2-d4) or delayed kingside expansion (f2-f4).
- Black: Aim for …f7-f5 under favourable circumstances, or adopt a Ruy-Lopez-style plan with …Bb4, …d6, and castle kingside.
- Piece Placement: The c6-knight often jumps to d4 or b4; White’s c3-knight eyes d5/e4.
Historical & Modern Usage
Although Max Lange analysed it in the 19th century, the line faded when the Vienna Gambit’s popularity waned. In the computer-age renaissance of “unfashionable” openings, grandmasters such as Alexander Grischuk and Baadur Jobava have tested the Nimzowitsch move-order to dodge Petroff preparation.
Trivia
- Max Lange the man is better known today for the Max Lange Attack in the Two Knights Defence, not for this Vienna sideline that bears his name!
- Because Black has not committed the king’s knight to f6, the Max Lange Defence can sometimes turn into a Pirc with …g6 and …Bg7—illustrating how transpositions keep opponents guessing.