We will now divide the course into an examination of White’s three main systems within the Vienna framework. The first of these features an early f4 by White. This move can arise in several ways. For example, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6, White can already play 3.f4. This is generally considered the main line. White can also play f4 against …Nc6, but that leads to completely different positions and is somewhat riskier - especially if Black accepts the pawn. In that case, White must decide between d4, as we have already seen, or Nf3. Returning to the position after 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.f4, it is widely believed that Black can obtain a reasonable game by responding with 3…d5, immediately challenging the centre before White has consolidated his setup.
After 4.e5 Nxe4, White has three principal options:
- Qf3
- d3
- Nf3
All these lines should give Black a satisfactory position if handled correctly. That said, White can generate a dangerous attack if Black is unfamiliar with the ideas, and there are certainly many players who fall into that category. Another way to incorporate f4 in the Vienna arises after Bc4, …Nc6, d3, and …Bc5. Here, White can choose to play f4, effectively transposing into a King’s Gambit Declined structure. This provides yet another approach to playing with f4.
The final method of employing f4 appears in the variations with g3. As mentioned earlier, White’s basic plan is to prepare f4 carefully with moves like Nge2, Bg2, and d3, aiming to play f4 at the right moment. Timing is critical: played correctly, the move can be very strong; played too early or under the wrong circumstances, it may backfire. All these approaches to f4 will be examined in this section, with the exception of the g3 lines, which are covered separately.
To summarise: all variations featuring an early f4 are playable and can lead to exciting, dynamic chess. However, they require a higher tolerance for risk. Black can equalise and even aim for more if properly prepared. Many of these sharp lines involve playing for a win from the very beginning. Nevertheless, there is certainly something to be said for that uncompromising approach.