The Paulsen Variation, Mariotti Gambit is a variation of the Vienna Game, catalogued as ECO C25. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 Bc5 4. Bg2 h5 5. Nf3 h4, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.
On the Vienna Game generally: White delays Nf3 in favor of Nc3, keeping options open for a kingside attack with f4.
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The Paulsen Variation, Mariotti Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 Bc5 4. Bg2 h5 5. Nf3 h4. It is a variation of the Vienna Game and is catalogued as ECO C25.
The Paulsen Variation, Mariotti Gambit is ECO C25. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Vienna Game.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 Bc5 4. Bg2 h5 5. Nf3 h4 at -0.31 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 e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.