The Vukovic Gambit is a variation of the Ponziani Opening, catalogued as ECO C44. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. d4 Nxe4 5. d5 Bc5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d5, Black on e5). Black is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to White's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five moves.
On the Ponziani Opening generally: ECO C44. A chess opening with 16 known variations.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
See all 4 Ponziani Opening variations →
The Vukovic Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. d4 Nxe4 5. d5 Bc5. It is a variation of the Ponziani Opening and is catalogued as ECO C44.
The Vukovic Gambit 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. d4 Nxe4 5. d5 Bc5 at -0.65 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. 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 d5, Black on e5). Black is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to White's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move.