Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. Bc4/3...Nf6/4. Ng5/4...Nxe4

Ponziani-Steinitz gambit C57-C59 Two knights defence → 4. Ng5 4...Nxe4? · Ponziani-Steinitz gambit Not the best move for Black. Ignoring the threat of White's position, they grab the e-pawn. Black may imagine they are playing a centre fork trick: if 5. Nxe4? d5! forks the knight and bishop. However, White can now capture Black's unprotected f-pawn with check: 5. Bxf7+ Ke7 6. d4! and Black cannot yet take on g5 without losing his queen. 5. Nxf7? is a mistake, as after 5...Qh4 Black gains an advantage even against White's best defence. Theory table 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 Nxe4 5 6 7 Bxf7+Ke7 d4d5 Nc3 += ...Nxd4 Nc3Nf6 += ...h6 Nxe4 += References See also Two Knights Defence