Vienna: Smyslov, 3...Bc5 4.Bg2 O-O

Vienna: Smyslov, 3...Bc5 4.Bg2 O-O

Definition

The Smyslov Variation of the Vienna Game arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 Bc5 4. Bg2 O-O. It belongs to ECO code C25 and is named for the 7th World Champion, Vasily Smyslov, who frequently adopted this set-up with the Black pieces. White fianchettos the king’s bishop while Black immediately counters with an active bishop on c5 and quick castling, leading to rich, un-balanced play.

Typical Move Order

The most common sequence is:

1. e4 e5
2. Nc3 Nf6 (Black heads for the Vienna rather than the Petroff)
3. g3 Bc5 (3.g3 is the defining Smyslov idea; Black answers with 3…Bc5)
4. Bg2 O-O (Black castles before committing the central pawns)

Note that 2…Nc6 is also playable, but the name “Smyslov Variation” is traditionally reserved for the Nf6 …Bc5 line.

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: Neither side has clarified the centre yet. Black often strikes with …d5, while White prepares d3 followed by Nf3 and f4 or d4.
• Bishop Activity: Black’s bishop on c5 eyes the f2-square and exerts pressure on the long diagonal. White’s Bg2, in turn, contests the e4–d5–c6 complex.
• King Safety vs. Initiative: Black enjoys immediate king safety after 4…O-O, but must justify the slightly looser dark-square complex. White may delay castling and use the half-open h-file after h2-h3 or even queenside castling in rare cases.
• Pawn Breaks:
  • Black plans …c6 & …d5 or the direct …d5.
  • White considers f4 (King’s-Gambit style) or d4.

Historical Background

Vasily Smyslov popularised 3…Bc5 in the 1940s, often neutralising Vienna-specialist opponents who were comfortable after the standard 3…d5. His treatment showed that quick development and castling could compensate for the absence of an immediate central pawn break. The line fits Smyslov’s style—harmonious piece placement and subtle pressure.

Notable Games / Examples

• Smyslov – Kotov, USSR Ch. 1945 (Smyslov, as Black, demonstrated the …d5 break, eventually winning a superior bishop ending.)
• Timman vs. Short, Tilburg 1990 (Short, with Black, used the variation as a surprise weapon, obtaining an equal endgame in 25 moves.)
• Model Mini-PGN
  
  Black illustrates the thematic …d5 push and an eventual pawn sacrifice to open lines for the bishops.

Typical Plans for Both Sides

• White
  • Complete development with Nf3, d3, O-O.
  • Break with f4 or d4 to seize central space.
  • Maintain pressure on the e-file after Re1.
• Black
  • Employ …c6 & …d5 or immediate …d5 to challenge the centre.
  • Re-route the knight via f6–g4–e5 or to d7–f8–e6 (Smyslov Maneuver).
  • Use the semi-open f-file after exchanges on f4/f5.

Interesting Facts

• The variation is surprisingly rare at elite level today; databases show it occurring in less than 0.5 % of games starting 1.e4 e5, making it an effective surprise weapon.
• Smyslov himself scored over 70 % with Black in this line during the late 1940s—a remarkable feat against world-class opposition.
• Because both sides fianchetto, casual players sometimes nickname it “Double-Catalan Vienna,” though that term is unofficial.

Summary

The Vienna: Smyslov, 3…Bc5 4.Bg2 O-O, is a dynamic, under-explored answer to 3.g3 in the Vienna Game. Black immediately activates the light-square bishop and castles, trusting in central counter-blows to offset White’s space-gaining ambitions. Players seeking rich, strategic fights with chances for both sides will find this line a rewarding addition to their 1…e5 repertoire.