Symmetrical Variation

Vienna Game

1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Qg4

Both sides put their bishops on c4 and c5; White's queen hits g7 at once.

The idea

After 3.Bc4 Bc5, White plays 4.Qg4, attacking g7. Black must deal with the threat, for example with 4...Qf6 (Lichess calls 4...Qf6 5.Nd5 the Meitner-Mieses Gambit), 4...g6 or 4...Kf8.

Plans for White

Use the tempo: Qg4 forces a concession, and Nd5 can follow to hit c7 and the queen if it comes to f6. Keep the bishop on c4 aimed at f7. Develop the other pieces quickly, because the queen on g4 can become a target for ...d5 or ...Nf6.

Plans for Black

Defend g7 and look for counterplay. The queen on f6 eyes f2, which is protected only by White's king, so the position is sharp for both sides. Once g7 is safe, Black can develop with ...Nge7 or ...d6 and castle.

Watch out for

For Black, ignoring the threat. If Black develops with a normal move like 4...Nf6?, 5.Qxg7 wins a pawn and attacks the rook on h8.

For White, f2. With Black's bishop on c5 and queen on f6, the f2 square is a target, and a careless queen move can allow ...Qxf2+.