Ponziani Opening:

The Ponziani Opening is a popular 'Open Game' opening played by white, which usually leads to tactical position. There are a lot of traps involved in several variations of this opening and Black usually needs to be a little careful. t is one of the oldest chess openings, having been discussed in the literature by 1497. It was advocated by Howard Staunton, generally considered the world's strongest player from 1843 to 1851, in his 1847 book The Chess-Player's Handbook.

 

Improve your Chess Skills today through our Classroom Sessions, Online Chess Training & Subscription Plans! Chess Classes in Bangalore Available for all levels - Beginner to Advanced with FIDE Rated Chess Coaches!

 

     

Here is a list of the 4 most popular continuations in the Ponziani Opening:

a) Main-Line
b) Jaenisch Counter-Attack
c) Ponziani Counter-Attack
d) Spanish Variation

 

Main-Line

Jaenisch Counter-Attack

Jaenisch Counter-Attack

Ponziani Counter-Attack

Ponziani Counter-Attack

Spanish Variation

Spanish Variation

Famous Games with the Ponziani Opening:

1) Main-Line - Lee, Qing Aun vs Rydstrom, Tom
2) Jaenisch Counter-Attack - Nepomniachtchi, I. vs Sjugirov, S. 
3) Ponziani Counter-Attack - Zeidler, S.vs Rogers, Jo
4) Spanish Variation - Sirkova, D. vs Raeva, E.