Ponziani Opening

A checking bishop reaches the rook

The attacking idea

Use Bb5+ and central exchanges to open the diagonal toward the rook on a8.

The temptation

The d6 push attacks the knight but allows a bishop check before the rook is safe.

If they defend

Move the knight to g6 and exchange the advanced knight before challenging the centre.

Look for the tactic as you develop. The opponent can choose a different route.

They take the bait

1. e4 1… e5 2. Nf3 2… Nc6 3. c3 3… Nf6 4. d4 4… Nxe4 5. d5 5… Ne7 6. Nxe5 6… d6 7. Bb5+ 7… c6 8. dxc6 8… bxc6 9. Nxc6 9… Nxc6 10. Bxc6+ 10… Bd7 11. Bxa8

They defend

1. e4 1… e5 2. Nf3 2… Nc6 3. c3 3… Nf6 4. d4 4… Nxe4 5. d5 5… Ne7 6. Nxe5 6… Ng6 7. Nxg6 7… hxg6 8. Bd3

About your chess coach

Tempo uses Stockfish 19 Lite to suggest strong moves and explain captures, threats, and plans in plain language.

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