The Steinitz Gambit, Main Line 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. d4 Qh4+ 5. Ke2, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file.
On the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense generally: ECO C25. A chess opening with 15 known variations.
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See all 10 Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense variations →
The Steinitz Gambit, Main Line goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. d4 Qh4+ 5. Ke2. It is a variation of the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense and is catalogued as ECO C25.
The Steinitz Gambit, Main Line 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.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. d4 Qh4+ 5. Ke2 at -0.57 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4. Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file.