Gambit Chess Openings - Ride the Wave


Empty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack Bishop on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareBlack Queen on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack Knight on a light squareBlack Rook on a dark squareBlack King on a light square
Empty light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Rook on a light squareWhite Bishop on a dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareWhite pawn on a light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite Rook on a dark squareEmpty light square
White pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite King on a dark squareEmpty light square

Blackburn - Payne (Manchester, 1862); White wins with the killer move 30.Bxh6 rounding off a fine attacking display. He opened the game with a Scotch Gambit

Gambit chess can be found in all opening systems. Following on from the Sicilian, we now consider gambits from another 1.e4 opening. This is a gambit chess study of the French Defense.


The discussion begins with the lively Winawer. You're really walking the tight-rope. This sharp variation has plenty of traps. The main gambit here is the Maroczy Gambit.


Then we have the Milner-Barry Gambit, the Nimzowitsch, Alapin and Diemer-Duhm Gambits. We wrap up this opening with the French Wing Gambit.


Break Up the French in the Maroczy Gambit




Black Rook on a light squareBlack Knight on a dark squareBlack Bishop on a light squareBlack Queen on a dark squareBlack King on a light squareEmpty dark squareBlack Knight on a light squareBlack Rook on a dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
Empty light squareBlack Bishop on a dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite Knight on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
White pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Knight on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark square
White Rook on a dark squareEmpty light squareWhite Bishop on a dark squareWhite Queen on a light squareWhite King on a dark squareWhite Bishop on a light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Rook on a light square

Gambit Chess: Maroczy Gambit - 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2

The Maroczy Gambit appears in the French Defense after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Ne2 and Black can take on e4. In the early years the gambit was often accepted but these days it is popular to decline it.


It's also known as the Alekhine Gambit. He had some big wins in this line over players like Nimzowitsch and Euwe. They accepted the gambit and Alekhine's great powers and abilities in piece play decided things in his favor.


Again Black can simply decline and the game will go down the normal French Defense paths.


Milner-Barry Gambit - Get Your Pieces Out for Two Pawns




Black Rook on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack King on a light squareBlack Bishop on a dark squareBlack Knight on a light squareBlack Rook on a dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareBlack Bishop on a light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareBlack Queen on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite Knight on a dark squareWhite Bishop on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
White pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark square
White Rook on a dark squareEmpty light squareWhite Bishop on a dark squareWhite Queen on a light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Rook on a light squareWhite King on a dark squareEmpty light square

Gambit Chess: Milner Barry Gambit - 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.Bd3 cxd4 7.cxd4 Bd7 8.0-0 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Nc3

The Milner Barry Gambit is found in the French Defense. Usually in the French White is trying with all his might to maintain his center on d4 and e5. Black concentrates his forces against the base d4 and tries to eliminate the pawn there.

Here in the Milner Barry Gambit you sacrifice d4 voluntarily with 6.Bd3. After 6...cxd4 7.cxd4, Black must prepare the next capture with 7...Bd7. If he takes straight away there is a trap. 7...Nxd4 8.Nxd4 Qxd4 would lead to 9.Bb5+ and the Black Queen is lost.

7...Bd7 prevents the discovered check and play continues with 8.0-0 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Nc3 giving you the position in the diagram. As White you have already sacrificed a pawn.

You have a lead in development. So how should you proceed? Sacrifice another pawn clearly. You don't need that lump on e5 anyway! Continue development without a conscience. Black can then decline the Milner-Barry or accept the challenge leading to very interesting struggles.


Act on Both Wings in the Nimzowitsch Gambit




Black Rook on a light squareBlack Knight on a dark squareBlack Bishop on a light squareBlack Queen on a dark squareBlack King on a light squareBlack Bishop on a dark squareBlack Knight on a light squareBlack Rook on a dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Queen on a light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
White pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark square
White Rook on a dark squareWhite Knight on a light squareWhite Bishop on a dark squareEmpty light squareWhite King on a dark squareWhite Bishop on a light squareWhite Knight on a dark squareWhite Rook on a light square

Gambit Chess: Nimzowitsch Gambit - 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.Qg4

The Nimzowitsch Gambit is another gambit chess opening for you to play by letting d4 drop. 4.Qg4, a move that Nimzowitsch liked in various systems, is put to work here. Black will take of course with 4...cxd4 and after 5.Nf3 Nc6, Black's strong point is consolidated.


You have a lead in development and an initiative on the Kingside in return. After further moves Black may start action on the Queenside but this is okay. You should be able to get your attack going on the Kingside much faster than your undeveloped opponent can threaten your Queenside.


The kitchen gets hot quickly as in many of these opposite side castled games. It's just a question of holding your nerve and winning the race to mate. Winning tempi off enemy pieces with your storm trooper pawns is as crucial as ever in these situations.


Alapin Gambit - Mixing it Up in the French




Black Rook on a light squareBlack Knight on a dark squareBlack Bishop on a light squareBlack Queen on a dark squareBlack King on a light squareBlack Bishop on a dark squareBlack Knight on a light squareBlack Rook on a dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite Bishop on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
White pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark square
White Rook on a dark squareWhite Knight on a light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Queen on a light squareWhite King on a dark squareWhite Bishop on a light squareWhite Knight on a dark squareWhite Rook on a light square

Gambit Chess: Alapin Gambit - 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Be3

The Alapin Gambit also resides in the dynamic French Defense. You play 3.Be3 asking Black if he wants to bank your e-pawn with 3...dxe4. If he accepts you will have neutralized his French style plans of an attack on d4.


Now you can give up your center and gain rapid development with the potency of the Bishop pair and the Queen. You must make good use of your dynamic power as it is fleeting. Avoid exchanges and build your attack quickly.


On the other hand if Black declines the gambit (he will usually do this with 3...Nf6) then the game will take on a typically French flavor. You can maintain the tension by keeping your pawn on e4 for the time being at least.


Diemer-Duhm Gambit - Put the Diemer in the French




Black Rook on a light squareBlack Knight on a dark squareBlack Bishop on a light squareBlack Queen on a dark squareBlack King on a light squareBlack Bishop on a dark squareBlack Knight on a light squareBlack Rook on a dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
White pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark square
White Rook on a dark squareWhite Knight on a light squareWhite Bishop on a dark squareWhite Queen on a light squareWhite King on a dark squareWhite Bishop on a light squareWhite Knight on a dark squareWhite Rook on a light square

Gambit Chess: Diemer-Duhm Gambit - 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.c4

The Diemer-Duhm Gambit is a way to transpose the French Defense into a Blackmar-Diemer game. Again it's advantageous to castle Queenside, combining King safety with quick and easy development.


You will attack the Black Kingside with the usual Diemer patterns. If you haven't managed to castle your King will be floating around an open Kingside. This gambit will then be double-edged. You need to be the kind of player who likes walking a tight rope.


As Black you can choose the course of the game on move 5. After 3...e6 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.f3 the game can go several ways. You can run with 5...Bb4, 5...exf3, 5....c6 or 5...c5.


Try the French Wing Gambit to Disrupt Black




Black Rook on a light squareBlack Knight on a dark squareBlack Bishop on a light squareBlack Queen on a dark squareBlack King on a light squareBlack Bishop on a dark squareBlack Knight on a light squareBlack Rook on a dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
Empty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Knight on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
White pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark square
White Rook on a dark squareWhite Knight on a light squareWhite Bishop on a dark squareWhite Queen on a light squareWhite King on a dark squareWhite Bishop on a light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Rook on a light square

Gambit Chess: French Wing Gambit - 1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5 c5 4.b4

The French Wing Gambit is an attempt to deprive Black of his French Defense ideas. You are attacking the key c5-pawn and forcing a response from Black.


If he accepts with 4...cxb4 you are down a pawn but his French plans are out the window. Your vulnerable point d4 is now under considerably less pressure.


Black can always decline your gambit. He may play 4...b6, 4...c4 or 4...d4. Accepting the gambit will likely lead to an open game. Declining it with ...b6 or ...c4 may see the pawn chains lock and a closed game will ensue.


Moving On




Black Rook on a light squareBlack Knight on a dark squareBlack Bishop on a light squareBlack Queen on a dark squareBlack King on a light squareBlack Bishop on a dark squareEmpty light squareBlack Rook on a dark square
Black pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareBlack pawn on a dark squareBlack pawn on a light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareBlack pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareBlack Knight on a dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
Empty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite Knight on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark square
Empty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareWhite Bishop on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light square
White pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareEmpty dark squareEmpty light squareWhite pawn on a dark squareWhite pawn on a light squareWhite pawn on a dark square
White Rook on a dark squareEmpty light squareWhite Bishop on a dark squareWhite Queen on a light squareWhite King on a dark squareEmpty light squareWhite Knight on a dark squareWhite Rook on a light square

Gambit Chess: Caro-Kann, Alekhine Gambit - 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Bd3

The diversity between gambits in terms of patterns, material and resulting positions is fascinating. Gambits coming from different families show the vast variances of character depending on the opening.


Now we take a look at gambits coming from three major openings rather than one. There will be common themes and motifs evident between these gambits. It will also be interesting to see if we can find the differences.


These openings start with 1.e4 but Black responds differently for each of them. We're talking about the Caro-Kann, Alekhine and Nimzowitsch Defenses.