The ABC of the Vienna

Old fashioned? Certainly! Infrequent ? Definitely! Underestimated ? Without doubt! Dangerous? You must draw your own conclusions...... The Vienna Game deserves a place in the repertoire of all players. With 2 Nc3 White prevents the freeing thrust ...d7-d5 and keeps open the option of f2-f4, hoping to transpose to a superior King’s Gambit For the Grandmaster, the Vienna can be used as a surprise weapon. At club level, everyone will be ready for 2 Nf3, but have they the same level of preparation against 2 Nc3? This is very doubtful. On this new ChessBase DVD International Master Andrew Martin argues that the Vienna is a good practical choice. White can steer the game into all manner of interesting positions according to Black’s response. He may play sharply or positionally. Black must respond very accurately to demonstrate equality.Video running time: 3 hours 42 minutes

Andrew Martin is 51 years old and lives in Yateley, England. He is a professional chess teacher and writer.