Budapest Gambit

Play as BlackCounter-gambit

Black gives a pawn early and wins it back with active pieces.

The main line, move by move

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. Bf4 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bb4+ 6. Nbd2 Qe7 7. a3 Ngxe5

1. 1. d4 — Claim the center with the queen pawn and open lines for the queen and bishop.
2. 1... Nf6 — Brings the knight into the game.
3. 2. c4 — Gain space and pressure the d5 square.
4. 2... e5 — The Budapest: offer a pawn at once to open the position.
5. 3. dxe5 — Takes the pawn on e5.
6. 3... Ng4 — Attack the e5 pawn and prepare to win it back.
7. 4. Bf4 — Brings the bishop into the game.
8. 4... Nc6 — Brings the knight into the game.
9. 5. Nf3 — Brings the knight into the game.
10. 5... Bb4+ — Brings the bishop into the game. Gives check.
11. 6. Nbd2 — Brings the knight into the game.
12. 6... Qe7 — Protect the bishop and keep the pressure on e5.
13. 7. a3 — Ask the bishop to decide: trade on d2 or retreat.
14. 7... Ngxe5 — Takes the pawn on e5.

Related openings

• Marshall Attack
• Albin Counter-Gambit
• Latvian Gambit
• Englund Gambit
• Elephant Gambit

← All opening guides · Tactics guides