The Stanley Variation, Bronstein Gambit is a variation of the Vienna Game, catalogued as ECO C28. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. f4 Nxe4 5. Nf3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black 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.
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.
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The Stanley Variation, Bronstein Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. f4 Nxe4 5. Nf3. It is a variation of the Vienna Game and is catalogued as ECO C28.
The Stanley Variation, Bronstein Gambit is ECO C28. 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. Bc4 Nf6 4. f4 Nxe4 5. Nf3 at -1.14 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.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move.