Conduct your army like an orchestra with... The Vienna Game.
But don't think this rekindled repertoire is just about careful refinement and classical beauty - it's not!
This Vienna is a booming loud and thoroughly-modern opening for bare-knuckle fighters who like to brawl in the middle, get quick wins and knock out opponents with maximum force!
Two-time Bulgarian champion GM Marian Petrov shows us the alternative way to meet 1...e5 - one that brings the curtain down on any lackluster performance from Black.
Crack 1...e5: Black's toughest nut
The Vienna Game starts after 1.e4 e5 and then 2.Nc3. You will find most 1. e4-e5 aficionados are all-too-happy to face the Ruy Lopez, the Italian or are ready to see the sharp lines that may appear on the board.
Few prepare hard for the Vienna. And especially not this line.
GM Petrov takes us into the wild by heading for the seemingly-modest 3.g3 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 and Nc6 or Nf6. This presents Black with a whole host of practical problems.
After 1...e5, there is no way of avoiding the Vienna!
The Vienna game has a long and rich history. It was first played in the late 19th century, and it was extremely popular up until the first half of the 20th century.
However, from the mid 20th century this opening fell in popularity - but why?
GM Petrov argues today we may witness a revival of this classic opening because more and more players are tired of the well-trodden paths of opening theory that sometimes extends all the way to the endgame.
It is just no fun having to cram 30 moves of theory just to reach an equal position, is it?
The spirit of Steinitz is alive!
The lines GM Petrov recommends here, however, are full of venom and you can expect many quick victories, especially against the unprepared opponent.
One of the biggest pros of this course is that if Black plays 1...e5 there is no way of avoiding the Vienna.
This repertoire:
🎻 is easy to learn;
🎻 is easy to understand;
🎻 gives White lots of attacking chances;
🎻 a sharp, surprise weapon;
🎻 very uncommon, especially at club level.
So, if you like all of the above, then The Vienna Game: Rekindled might just be your new choice weapon.
Let's rekindle the flame of 19th-century romantic chess by playing 21st-century style!
GM Marian Petrov was Bulgarian champion in 2002 and 2017. He is an accomplished professional coach and trainer with a BA in Chess Pedagogy.
