UPDATE: DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO OR SHARE IT! It is ten years old and the idea is no longer novel. Everybody plays ..d5 as black now which kind of kills it. I suggest the London System instead.
Previous text:
The Ponziani is the main aggressive/surprise opening I used as White when I climbed from 1600 USCF to eventually 2130 over about three years. My coach GM Alex Wojtkiewicz (R.I.P.) suggested it as an easy way to trip up class players who likely don't have time to study this somewhat obscure opening and figure they'll just play it over the board if they encounter it. Unfortunately for them, the "natural" moves are the wrong ones and they can easily fall into some traps. This opening is also good for online blitz and bullet games for the same reason.
11 сен 2024
