Chessy
Vienna Game: Anderssen Defense with g3 – Playing as Black
The Vienna Game often leads to rich, less-explored positions — and the Anderssen Defense with g3 is a perfect example. After 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Bc5 3.g3, you respond with the natural developing move 3...Nf6, reaching a position that Stockfish evaluates at +0.09, a dead-level edge for White. That means you are fine — completely equal, with nothing to fear. Despite White having many options here, statistics from nearly 95,000 games show you actually score a respectable 44.8% as Black. The key is knowing White's best move (and what happens after it) and, more importantly, which White replies give you a chance to strike back. Use the interactive drill below to test yourself on this position until the right response feels automatic.
Play the Vienna Game: Anderssen Defense: g3 against the engine
Free, no signup — you play black, the engine adapts to your level.
Ready to make the Anderssen Defense your weapon? Jump into the interactive drill below — play the Black side against an adapting engine and sharpen your feel. A
Create a free account →What You're Fighting For – The Central Tension
The Anderssen Defense with g3 is an invitation: White wants to fianchetto the light-squared bishop with Bg2, putting pressure on the centre from a distance. Your move 3...Nf6 develops a piece and attacks the e4 pawn, forcing White to decide how to defend it. The engine's top choice is Bg2, preparing to castle and keeping the centre flexible. From here, the most common follow-up sequence runs Bg2 c6 Nge2 d5 — you aim to challenge the centre with ...c6 and ...d5, creating a solid pawn duo that leaves Black with comfortable play. Your main idea is simple: don't let White's fianchetto intimidate you. Occupy the centre, develop your pieces, and the position stays dead equal.
The Engine's Best Move and What Follows
When you play 3...Nf6, White's strongest reply is Bg2 (played in over 70,000 games). The engine gives +0.09, confirming the position is practically equal. White continues with Nge2, preparing to solidify the centre, and the typical plan involves ...c6 and ...d5 from your side. The resulting structure is balanced — neither side has a clear advantage, and both have room to outplay the opponent in the middlegame. Your task in the drill is to recognise that Bg2 is the critical continuation and be ready to respond with ...c6, challenging the centre on your own terms.
Where White Can Go Wrong – Three Inaccuracies
The statistics reveal that many White players don't choose Bg2, and those alternatives often hand you an edge. Here are the most common inaccuracies to look out for: - h3 (7,458 games, loses ~0.7 pawns). A passive move that wastes a tempo and weakens the kingside slightly. - Nge2 (1,888 games, loses ~0.6 pawns). While it looks natural, it gives Black time to seize the centre with ...d5 before White is ready. - f4 (1,348 games, loses ~1.0 pawns). This is the sharpest mistake — playing f4 early weakens the e4 pawn and opens lines for your pieces. If your opponent plays any of these, you can press for an advantage. The drill will train you to punish these inaccuracies confidently.
What the Numbers Tell Us – Scoring Chances
Looking at 94,688 games in the Lichess database, the results are encouraging for Black. White wins 51.7%, draws are rare at just 3.6%, and Black wins 44.8%. That means nearly half the games end in a Black victory from this position — an excellent score for a second-player opening. The low draw rate (3.6%) tells you this is a fighting position: the game tends to stay unbalanced and tactical, which suits players who want to play for a win rather than a safe draw. The one move to watch out for is Bg2, where White scores 54.4% — still not overwhelming, but it's the most dangerous reply. Against anything else, your winning chances rise noticeably.
Results across 94,688 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bg2 | 70,307 | 54.4% |
| h3 | 7,458 | 52.7% |
| Nf3 | 4,665 | 38.8% |
| d3 | 3,080 | 44.3% |
| Nge2 | 1,888 | 43.5% |
| f4 | 1,348 | 37.8% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Vienna Game Anderssen Defense with g3 good for Black?
Yes. Stockfish evaluates the position at +0.09 — essentially dead equal. Black scores 44.8% in practice, which is a solid result for the second player. The position is rich in fighting chances and rarely leads to dry, drawish play.
What is White's best move after 3...Nf6?
The engine's top choice is Bg2, continuing with c6 and Nge2, aiming for a flexible setup. This is the most common reply, played in over 70,000 games. The other popular moves (h3, Nf3, d3, Nge2, f4) are all less accurate, with some losing clear pawn equity.
How should Black respond to White's Bg2?
The standard plan is to play ...c6, preparing ...d5 to challenge White's centre. The typical sequence continues Bg2 c6 Nge2 d5, giving Black a solid pawn centre and active piece play. There is no need to rush — the position remains balanced.
What common mistakes should I watch out for as White?
If your opponent plays h3, Nge2, or f4, they have made an inaccuracy. The worst is f4 (loses ~1.0 pawns), followed by h3 (~0.7 pawns) and Nge2 (~0.6 pawns). These moves give Black a chance to seize the initiative, particularly by quickly playing ...d5 in the centre.