Bishop's Opening: Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation (C28)

The Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation is a variation of the Bishop's Opening, catalogued as ECO C28. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bb4 5. Ne2, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Bishop's Opening generally: White develops the bishop early to c4, targeting f7. Can lead to sharp or quiet positions.

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Bishop's Opening: Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation — position after Ne2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bb4 5. Ne2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nc3Nc6
3Bc4Nf6
4d3Bb4
5Ne2

ECO: C28

Stockfish: +0.19 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Bishop's Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation?

The Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bb4 5. Ne2. It is a variation of the Bishop's Opening and is catalogued as ECO C28.

What is the ECO code for the Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation?

The Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation is ECO C28. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Bishop's Opening.

Is the Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. d3 Bb4 5. Ne2 at +0.19 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Vienna Hybrid, Hromádka Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.