3...f5: the Ponziani Countergambit is variation 6 of 6 in the Ponziani Opening course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO C44). It runs 19 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 f5 4. d4 fxe4 …. Black attacks e4 with the f-pawn. White hits the centre with 4.d4 and the knight jumps to e5. If Black trades on e5, White wins the e4 pawn with a queen check and stays a pawn up. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... Nc6 – Black defends e5.
3. c3 – The Ponziani. White prepares d4.
3... f5 – The Ponziani Countergambit. Black attacks e4 with the f-pawn.
4. d4 – White fights for the centre at once.
4... fxe4 – Black takes the e4 pawn.
5. Nxe5 – White wins a pawn back and puts the knight in the centre.
5... Nxe5 – Black trades knights. This is a small mistake, because it helps White.
6. dxe5 – White takes back. The e5 pawn cramps Black.
6... d5 – Black protects the e4 pawn.
7. exd6 – White takes en passant. Now the e4 pawn is weak.
7... Bxd6 – Black takes back and develops.
8. Qa4+ – A check that also attacks the e4 pawn.
8... c6 – Black blocks the check.
The lesson goes on for 3 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM