Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense: Hamppe-Muzio Gambit (C25)

The Hamppe-Muzio Gambit is a variation of the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense, catalogued as ECO C25. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. Nf3 g5 5. Bc4 g4 6. O-O gxf3, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up four points of material. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.

On the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense generally: ECO C25. A chess opening with 15 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.

Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense: Hamppe-Muzio Gambit — position after gxf3 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. Nf3 g5 5. Bc4 g4 6. O-O gxf3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nc3Nc6
3f4exf4
4Nf3g5
5Bc4g4
6O-Ogxf3

ECO: C25

Stockfish: -1.31 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Hamppe-Muzio Gambit?

The Hamppe-Muzio Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. Nf3 g5 5. Bc4 g4 6. O-O gxf3. It is a variation of the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense and is catalogued as ECO C25.

What is the ECO code for the Hamppe-Muzio Gambit?

The Hamppe-Muzio Gambit is ECO C25. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense.

Is the Hamppe-Muzio Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. Nf3 g5 5. Bc4 g4 6. O-O gxf3 at -1.31 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.

What kind of position does the Hamppe-Muzio Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up four points of material. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.