The Stanley Variation, Monster Declined is a variation of the Vienna Game, catalogued as ECO C27. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. Qh5 Nd6 5. Bb3 Be7, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
Black holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. 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.
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.
See all 19 Vienna Game variations →
The Stanley Variation, Monster Declined goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. Qh5 Nd6 5. Bb3 Be7. It is a variation of the Vienna Game and is catalogued as ECO C27.
The Stanley Variation, Monster Declined is ECO C27. 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 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. Qh5 Nd6 5. Bb3 Be7 at -0.08 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move.