Vienna Game: Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation (C29)

The Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation is a variation of the Vienna Game, catalogued as ECO C29. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4 d5 4. fxe5 Nxe4 5. Nf3 Be7, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d5). Development is level at two 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.

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: Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation — position after Be7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4 d5 4. fxe5 Nxe4 5. Nf3 Be7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nc3Nf6
3f4d5
4fxe5Nxe4
5Nf3Be7

ECO: C29

Stockfish: -0.18 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Vienna Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation?

The Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4 d5 4. fxe5 Nxe4 5. Nf3 Be7. It is a variation of the Vienna Game and is catalogued as ECO C29.

What is the ECO code for the Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation?

The Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation is ECO C29. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Vienna Game.

Is the Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4 d5 4. fxe5 Nxe4 5. Nf3 Be7 at -0.18 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.

What kind of position does the Vienna Gambit, Breyer Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.