Vienna: Smyslov, 3...Nc6
Vienna: Smyslov, 3…Nc6
Definition
The Vienna: Smyslov, 3…Nc6 refers to a branch of the Vienna
Game that arises after the moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 Nc6.
It is named after the 7th World Champion, Vasily Smyslov, who
championed this flexible development scheme for Black.
In ECO the line is catalogued under C25.
Typical Move Order
The starting position of the Smyslov Variation is reached by the following sequence:
- 1. e4 e5 – Classical open-game beginning.
- 2. Nc3 – The Vienna Move, supporting d4 and eyeing b5.
- …Nf6 – Attacking the e4-pawn and inviting transpositions to a Four Knights or Scotch.
- 3. g3 – White plans Bg2, steering play into a King’s-Indian-Attack–like structure.
- …Nc6 – Smyslov’s choice: Black calmly develops instead of the sharper 3…d5.
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s Flexibility – By delaying …d5, Black keeps the central pawn structure fluid and avoids prematurely opening the position when White’s f-knight is still on g1.
- White’s King-Side Fianchetto – The move 3.g3 signals Bg2, castle short, and eventual f4 or d4 breaks. A structure analogous to the Closed Sicilian may appear, but with colours reversed.
- Central Tension – After typical continuations such as 4.Bg2 Bc5 5.Nf3 d6, both sides delay pawn breaks (d4 for White, d5 or f5 for Black) in favour of harmonious piece placement.
- Transpositional Potential – Depending on when White plays Nf3 and d3/d4, the game can transpose into a Closed Ruy Lopez, a Giuoco Piano structure, or even a reversed Pirc.
Main Tabiyas
One of the most commonly reached tabiyas arises after:
4.Bg2 Bc5 5.Nf3 d6 6.d3 a6.
The position features:
- Symmetrical pawn centre (e4/e5) with no immediate open files.
- White’s bishops pointing toward the queenside (c6/e4) and the long diagonal (a8-h1).
- Black ready for …O-O, …Re8, and the eventual …d5 break.
Historical Context
Vasily Smyslov, famous for his immaculate piece coordination, used 3…Nc6 in the 1940s and 1950s as a low-risk counter to the burgeoning popularity of the Vienna Gambit. His preference for harmonious development over immediate tactical clashes set a trend for players seeking a sound but flexible defence.
Illustrative Game
Smyslov – Ragozin, Moscow 1947
The game showcases Smyslov’s trademark transition from a seemingly quiet opening to a dynamically superior endgame.
Typical Plans
- For White
- Push d4 at the right moment to seize space.
- Prepare f4–f5 to undermine Black’s e5 pawn.
- Exploit the long diagonal with Bg2 and potential Qf3/Qg4.
- For Black
- Timely …d5 break, often preceded by …Re8.
- Queenside expansion with …a6–b5 when White delays c3.
- Exchange one of White’s bishops (…Bg4 or …Bxf2+) to reduce attacking potential.
Common Traps & Tactical Motifs
- e4-pawn drops – After premature Nf3-d4, the e4 pawn can hang if Bg2 is pinned by …Bg4.
- Fork on d4 – If White plays d4 too early, …exd4 …Nxd4 may allow …Nxe4 tactics.
- Greek-Gift Attempts – White should beware of sacrificing Bxh7+ since Black’s queen often covers h4 after …Qe8.
Theoretical Status
Modern engines rate the position after 3…Nc6 as roughly equal (≈0.20 – 0.30 pawns for White), confirming its solidity. The line is less popular than the sharper 3…d5, so it can be a practical weapon to take Vienna aficionados out of book early.
Interesting Facts
- The Smyslov Variation is one of the rare Open-Game lines in which Black fianchettoes after White, e.g. …g6–Bg7, echoing Smyslov’s fondness for bishop pair activity.
- Grandmaster Nigel Short briefly revived the line in the late 1990s as a surprise weapon against 1.e4 specialists.
- Because White’s first three moves mirror the King’s Indian Attack setup, some club players nickname the system “Reversed KIA with an extra tempo.”