The Jaenisch Counterattack is a variation of the Ponziani Opening, catalogued as ECO C44. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. d3 d5 5. Nbd2, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5 and e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.
On the Ponziani Opening generally: ECO C44. A chess opening with 16 known variations.
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See all 4 Ponziani Opening variations →
The Jaenisch Counterattack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. d3 d5 5. Nbd2. It is a variation of the Ponziani Opening and is catalogued as ECO C44.
The Jaenisch Counterattack is ECO C44. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Ponziani Opening.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. d3 d5 5. Nbd2 at -0.35 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, within normal opening margins. 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on d5 and e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.