Vienna Game: Hamppe-Muzio Gambit (C25)

The Hamppe-Muzio Gambit is a variation of the Vienna Game, 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, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the f-file.

On the Vienna Game generally: White delays Nf3 in favor of Nc3, keeping options open for a kingside attack with f4.

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 Game: Hamppe-Muzio Gambit — position after O-O a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. Nf3 g5 5. Bc4 g4 6. O-O

Move order

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

ECO: C25

Stockfish: -1.12 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Vienna Game 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. It is a variation of the Vienna Game 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 Game.

Is the Hamppe-Muzio Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. f4 exf4 4. Nf3 g5 5. Bc4 g4 6. O-O at -1.12 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. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the f-file.