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The Max Lange Defense is one of the most solid ways that Black can respond to the Vienna Game (1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6). In essence, Black plays defensively, and potentially draws the game into Four Knights Italian-ish lines. Often, these are closed and positional games.

Historically as I was learning the Vienna Game, this was my least favourite variation of the Vienna to play. However, it is important to have a sense of what to do, and not to avoid learning. As noted, it is one of the most solid responses by Black and many people will have an intuition to gravitate towards it as it seems to move the Vienna away from feeling… like the Vienna!

In this game, I show a few tactical ideas that I use. I don’t think these are necessarily the best ideas, and certainly, Stockfish doesn’t like these moves. However, they create potential imbalances on what could be very symmetrical games, and these inaccuracies can create tactical opportunities that can strike moves later!

Idea 1:
On move 5, Stockfish will rate Nf3, which transposes into a Four Knights Italian line as the best move. However, I usually play Be3 in this position, immediately asking Black to trade bishops. Trading bishops is the best move for Black, but this allows us to capture with the f-pawn. Although we get doubled e-pawns, we’ll have a semi-open f-file which can be a powerful tactical resource, especially if Black castles kingside (which they are likely to). If Black refuses to trade bishops, their bishop influence is blocked as the bishops stare down the diagonal. Eventually on move 13 (13… Bxe3), Black cracked and captured my bishop – giving me the f-file and having lost tempo moving their bishop multiple times.

Idea 2:
On move 6, I advanced my knight with Nd5. This is another aggressive move that is suboptimal. However, if Black trades their knight on f6, this removes a defender on Black’s kingside, and potentially, their kingside defences might be relatively weak against a big attack. If they avoid trading away the knight, then my knight on d5 is in a commanding position in the centre of the board and is always ready to capture the pawn on c7, or take the c7 square which comes with check. This also potentially constrains the movement of the queen, as it is the only guard of c7 at this point.

Idea 3:
On move 15, I move my queen to e1. This is a common idea in positions where the goal is the attack Black’s king on the kingside. Specifically, it gives the queen access to the g3 and h4 squares, potentially lining up for an attack. In this position, it gave my knight the cover it needed to advance forward (17. Nh4), as the square is attacked by Black’s queen. On move 20, the queen slips along the dark squares to (Qc3) the long dark square diagonal, which had been weakened and opened by White pushing their kingside pawns forward.

Idea 4:
On move 19, I ignored the seeming upcoming threat of a knight fork of my rook on a1 and my queen. The logic here is that it is often okay to sacrifice the rook on the opposite corner to the action. In essence, that rook’s presence was largely unfelt in the immediate and short term – it hadn’t moved, it isn’t defending anything critical, it isn’t threatening any of Black’s pieces. However, the sacrifice took one of Black’s most active pieces to the wrong side of the board – effectively gaining a tempo advantage with a massive attack as the compensation.

And pretty much, from move 21 after Black captured my rook on a1, effectively deleting their own knight from play, the board explodes! I had a [+M3] available, but I didn’t see it in the game. However, my pieces are coordinated so that each move comes with an impending checkmate threat, allowing me to consecutively ignore seemingly hanging positions. I was hoping for a mating net, but Black’s king ended up escaping. However, by move 32, we had simplified to an endgame of my queen and bishop vs Black’s rook pair – winning for me. Black lost their first rook through an absolute fork with my queen on move 35, and then their second rook on move 43, where Black resigned. GG!

Game on chess.com: https://www.chess.com/game/live/82339277833

[Event "Live Chess"]
[Site "Chess.com"]
[Date "2023.07.05"]
[Round "-"]
[White "vitualis"]
[Black "MisterBigSlick"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Timezone "UTC"]
[ECO "C26"]
[ECOUrl "https://www.chess.com/openings/Bishops-Opening-Berlin-Spielmann-Attack-4...Nc6"]
[UTCDate "2023.07.05"]
[UTCTime "23:39:38"]
[WhiteElo "1398"]
[BlackElo "1285"]
[TimeControl "900+10"]
[Termination "vitualis won by resignation"]
[StartTime "23:39:38"]
[EndDate "2023.07.06"]
[EndTime "00:13:01"]
[Link "https://www.chess.com/game/live/82339277833"]
[WhiteUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.f52a0759.50x50o.ab18600a8723.png"]
[WhiteCountry "17"]
[WhiteTitle ""]
[BlackUrl "https://www.chess.com/bundles/web/images/noavatar_l.84a92436.gif"]
[BlackCountry "69"]
[BlackTitle ""]

1. e4 {[%clk 0:15:09.7]} 1... e5 {[%clk 0:15:09.9]} 2. Nc3 {[%clk 0:15:17.1]}
2... Nc6 {[%clk 0:15:19.3] Vienna Game: Max Lange Defense} 3. Bc4 {[%clk
0:15:21.5]} 3... Nf6 {[%clk 0:15:28.7]} 4. d3 {[%clk 0:15:26.9]} 4... Bc5 {[%clk
0:15:16.4] Max Lange Defense games can end up super symmetrical and
positional...} 5. Be3 {[%clk 0:15:34.2] This creates a dynamic tension and I
want Black to capture so that I can open the f-file even though Stockfish rates
this move as suboptimal} 5... d6 {[%clk 0:15:23.4]} 6. Nd5 {[%clk 0:14:50.9]
Again, further aggressive manoeuvering. Stockfish doesn't like it, but I like
this dynamically.} 6... Bd7 $6 {[%clk 0:15:28.8][%c_arrow
f6d5;keyPressed;none;from;f6;opacity;0.8;to;d5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d5;persistent;false][%c_effect
d7;square;d7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Black is playing a careful
defensive game [+0.7]} 7. Nf3 $6 {[%clk 0:14:17][%c_arrow
e3g5;keyPressed;none;from;e3;opacity;0.8;to;g5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g5;persistent;false][%c_effect
f3;square;f3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] I decided to develop my other
knight, now that some of the risks with the Four Knights Italian has been
sidestepped [-0.05]. Stockfish prefers a more aggressive approach.} 7... a6 $2
{[%clk 0:15:35.7][%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c5e3;keyPressed;none;from;c5;opacity;0.8;to;e3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e3;persistent;false] A mistake [+1]} 8.
O-O $6 {[%clk 0:13:57.6][%c_arrow
e3g5;keyPressed;none;from;e3;opacity;0.8;to;g5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g5;persistent;false][%c_effect
g1;square;g1;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Stockfish likes the aggressive Bg5
tactical idea} 8... h6 {[%clk 0:15:43.2]} 9. a3 {[%clk 0:13:10.3]} 9... Ng4 $6
{[%clk 0:15:44.9][%c_effect
g4;square;g4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c5a7;keyPressed;none;from;c5;opacity;0.8;to;a7;persistent;false][%c_highlight
a7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;a7;persistent;false] This aggressive move
forward is a mistake as the attack doesn't quite work [+1]} 10. b4 $6 {[%clk
0:12:57.5][%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
e3c5;keyPressed;none;from;e3;opacity;0.8;to;c5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
c5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;c5;persistent;false] Stockfish just wants
to trade bishops. However, I want them to capture me to open the f-file [+0.2]}
10... Ba7 {[%clk 0:15:47.1]} 11. h3 $6 {[%clk 0:12:16.2][%c_arrow
e3a7;keyPressed;none;from;e3;opacity;0.8;to;a7;persistent;false][%c_highlight
a7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;a7;persistent;false][%c_effect
h3;square;h3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Asking the questions...} 11... h5 $2
{[%clk 0:15:52.1][%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
g4e3;keyPressed;none;from;g4;opacity;0.8;to;e3;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e3;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e3;persistent;false] This was actually a
mistake by Black [+1.6] but I thought it was a good move.  I took the view that
opening my h-file was too risky, even with the material gain. Stockfish thinks
that Black should just trade away their knight for a bishop, but obviously, they
want to keep the knight for tactical reasons.} 12. Bg5 {[%clk 0:11:55.2]} 12...
f6 {[%clk 0:15:36.7]} 13. Be3 $6 {[%clk 0:10:43.9][%c_effect
e3;square;e3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
g5d2;keyPressed;none;from;g5;opacity;0.8;to;d2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
d2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d2;persistent;false] I wanted Black to
block the dark square diagonal from their queen. I'm hoping still that Black
will capture with their bishop.} 13... Bxe3 $2 {[%clk 0:13:04][%c_effect
e3;square;e3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] And Black took the bite $1 I was
confident that this was probably not good for Black [+2.1]} 14. fxe3 {[%clk
0:10:46.8]} 14... f5 $6 {[%clk 0:12:57.4][%c_effect
f5;square;f5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c6e7;keyPressed;none;from;c6;opacity;0.8;to;e7;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e7;persistent;false] An inaccuracy in this
complicated closed position [+3.1]} 15. Qe1 {[%clk 0:09:10.7]} 15... f4 $6 {[%clk
0:13:01.2][%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c6e7;keyPressed;none;from;c6;opacity;0.8;to;e7;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e7;persistent;false] An inaccuracy [+4.2]}
16. exf4 {[%clk 0:08:21.6]} 16... exf4 {[%clk 0:13:07.1]} 17. Nh4 $6 {[%clk
0:08:04.1][%c_arrow
e4e5;keyPressed;none;from;e4;opacity;0.8;to;e5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e5;persistent;false][%c_effect
h4;square;h4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Note: I'm effectively controlling
the e- and f-files. Surprisingly, e5 is apparently the best move.} 17... Nd4 $6
{[%clk 0:12:51.9][%c_effect
d4;square;d4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c6e5;keyPressed;none;from;c6;opacity;0.8;to;e5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
e5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e5;persistent;false] Black's knight seeks
to attack on the queenside. I was pretty sure that this was a mistake for White
as they lose tempo [+4.5]} 18. Ng6 {[%clk 0:06:20.2]} 18... Rh6 {[%clk
0:12:08.2]} 19. Ndxf4 {[%clk 0:05:02.7]} 19... Nxc2 $6 {[%clk 0:12:03.9][%c_arrow
d8g5;keyPressed;none;from;d8;opacity;0.8;to;g5;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g5;persistent;false][%c_effect
c2;square;c2;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Seemingly a good move with the
fork of the knight and queen. However, it's an inaccuracy [+5.1] as I can
sacrifice the queen's rook for a devastating attack on Black's exposed and open
king $1} 20. Qc3 {[%clk 0:04:15.5]} 20... Nxa1 $4 {[%clk 0:11:24.9][%c_effect
a1;square;a1;type;Blunder;persistent;true] This is a blunderous mistake [+M3].}
21. Ne6 $2 {[%clk 0:03:46.6][%c_effect
e6;square;e6;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c3g7;keyPressed;none;from;c3;opacity;0.8;to;g7;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g7;persistent;false] However, I miss the
winning line. This forward advance of the knight that threatens checkmate and
the queen, is very forcing [+6.4]} ({The winning line that I didn't see...} 21.
Qxg7 Be6 {The bishop must move to give an escape square for the king} 22. Bxe6
Rxg6 23. Qf7#) 21... Bxe6 {[%clk 0:11:04.4]} 22. Rf8+ $6 {[%clk
0:03:51.2][%c_effect f8;square;f8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
c3g7;keyPressed;none;from;c3;opacity;0.8;to;g7;persistent;false][%c_highlight
g7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g7;persistent;false] And now, the board
explodes and we chase the king $1} 22... Kd7 {[%clk 0:10:48]} 23. Qxg7+ {[%clk
0:03:58]} 23... Kc6 {[%clk 0:10:47.1]} 24. Ne7+ {[%clk 0:02:51.1]} 24... Kb6
{[%clk 0:09:47.5]} 25. Qd4+ {[%clk 0:02:41.7]} 25... c5 {[%clk 0:09:52.5]} 26.
bxc5+ $1 {[%clk 0:02:40.8][%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}
26... dxc5 {[%clk 0:09:58.4]} 27. Qb2+ $1 {[%clk 0:02:26.4][%c_effect
b2;square;b2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 27... Nb3 $2 {[%clk
0:09:30.5][%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrow
b6a7;keyPressed;none;from;b6;opacity;0.8;to;a7;persistent;false][%c_highlight
a7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;a7;persistent;false]} 28. Qxb3+ {[%clk
0:02:33.5]} 28... Ka7 {[%clk 0:09:34.3]} 29. Rxd8 {[%clk 0:02:27.5]} 29... Rxd8
{[%clk 0:09:41.1]} 30. Bxe6 {[%clk 0:01:57.5]} 30... Re8 {[%clk 0:09:43.8]} 31.
Bd5 {[%clk 0:01:53.9]} 31... Rxe7 {[%clk 0:09:50.5]} 32. hxg4 {[%clk 0:01:51.8]}
32... hxg4 {[%clk 0:09:52.9]} 33. Qc4 {[%clk 0:01:34.4]} 33... g3 {[%clk
0:09:49.7]} 34. Qxc5+ {[%clk 0:01:21.2]} 34... Kb8 {[%clk 0:09:56.8]} 35. Qxe7
{[%clk 0:01:12.6]} 35... Rb6 {[%clk 0:09:54.5][%c_arrow
b6b1;keyPressed;none;from;b6;opacity;0.8;to;b1;persistent;false][%c_highlight
b1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;b1;persistent;false] I have to be careful
not to hang back rank mate $1} 36. Qd8+ {[%clk 0:00:45]} 36... Ka7 {[%clk
0:10:02.7]} 37. Ba2 $6 {[%clk 0:00:32.9][%c_effect
a2;square;a2;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrow
g1f1;keyPressed;none;from;g1;opacity;0.8;to;f1;persistent;false][%c_highlight
f1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f1;persistent;false] Here, I was down on
time. I seriously considered just trade off the queen for the rook, but opted
against it.} 37... Rc6 {[%clk 0:10:01.1]} 38. Qd4+ {[%clk 0:00:36.2]} 38... Kb8
{[%clk 0:10:07.6]} 39. Qe3 {[%clk 0:00:33]} 39... Rc2 {[%clk 0:10:06.6]} 40. Kf1
{[%clk 0:00:35.6]} 40... Rxa2 {[%clk 0:10:01.4]} 41. Qxg3+ {[%clk 0:00:41.4]}
41... Ka8 {[%clk 0:10:08.9]} 42. Qg8+ {[%clk 0:00:48.5][%c_arrow
g8a8;keyPressed;none;from;g8;opacity;0.8;to;a8;persistent;false,g8a2;keyPressed;none;from;g8;opacity;0.8;to;a2;persistent;false][%c_highlight
a8;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;a8;persistent;false,a2;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;a2;persistent;false]
Long distance forks can be hard to see $1} 42... Ka7 {[%clk 0:10:17]} 43. Qxa2
{[%clk 0:00:58.1][%c_effect
f1;square;f1;type;Winner,a7;square;a7;type;ResignBlack] Black resigns $1 GG $1} 1-0