Chess opening · ECO C44
Ponziani Opening
The Ponziani Opening starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3. It ranks #110 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... Nc6Black develops the queenside knight to c6.
- 3. c3White advances the c-pawn to c3.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Nf6 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nf6 59% | d6 14% | d5 13% |
| 1200–1399 | Nf6 53% | Bc5 17% | d6 12% |
| 1400–1599 | Nf6 50% | Bc5 22% | d6 10% |
| 1600–1799 | Nf6 47% | Bc5 22% | d6 12% |
| 1800–1999 | Nf6 48% | d5 21% | Bc5 15% |
| 2000 and up | Nf6 56% | d5 44% | – |
Related openings
Practice it against a human-like opponent.
BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.
Play a free coached game →Played this opening recently?
Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.
Analyze a game free →