Two lines from our repertoire
Follow each line from the starting position. The notes explain the position after the displayed move, including the plan for the next move. These are repertoire examples; your opponent can choose other replies.
Pause at the diagrams to see the idea. The highlighted squares show the last move; the note explains what comes next.
Moves use international algebraic notation: N = knight, B = bishop, R = rook, Q = queen, K = king.
1. Charlick - Introduction
1. d4After 1. d4One of the most annoying moves—finding a reliable response isn't that simple. In the Charlick Gambit, we're sacrificing a pawn right from the first move for a dynamic and flashy game full of traps! We sacrifice ♟e5!
1... e52. dxe5After 2. dxe5We're not stopping here! We're in no rush to capture the e5 pawn—instead, we calmly sacrifice it and get easy and comfortable development in return. We play ♟d6, offering White another pawn
2... d63. exd6After 3. exd6Capturing is a principled decision. We capture with the bishop and focus on quick development—that's the strength of the Charlick Gambit!
3... Bxd64. Nf3After 4. Nf3As I noted, our main focus in the first few moves is piece development. We bring ♞b8 into play
After 4... Nc6White to move. At the board4... Nc6After 4... Nc6This was just the introduction. Ahead of us are tons of fun variations with very striking traps
2. 2nd Main Setup: Two Knights, e4
1. d4After 1. d4One of the most annoying moves—it's not easy to find a reliable response against it. In the Charlie Gambit, we sacrifice a pawn right on the first move and immediately get a bright, dynamic game with tons of traps! We sacrifice ♟e5!
1... e52. dxe5After 2. dxe5We're not stopping here! We're in no rush to take back the e5 pawn—instead, we calmly sacrifice it and get easy and comfortable development in return. We play ♟d6, offering White another pawn to take
2... d6After 3. exd6Black to move. At the board3. exd6After 3. exd6Taking is a principled decision. We capture with the bishop and focus on quick development—that's the strength of the Charlie Gambit!
3... Bxd64. Nf3After 4. Nf3As I mentioned, our main focus in the first few moves is developing our pieces. We bring the ♞b8 into play
4... Nc65. Nc3After 5. Nc3White usually develops without delay too. Our plan is to prepare long castling and enter an active game in the center and against the opponent's ♚ on the kingside. Typical route: ♝g4, ♛e7, long castling, and pressure along the "D" file
5... Bg46. e4After 6. e4One possible plan is to place the pawn in the center. On e4, it looks impressive, but it's important to remember: far-advanced pawns often become vulnerable. We continue to follow our plan. We play ♛e7, preparing for long castling
6... Qe7After 7. Be2Black to move. At the board7. Be2After 7. Be2The most popular response for White, breaking the pin and moving closer to castling. Let’s castle, chess lovers!
7... O-O-O8. O-OAfter 8. O-OA decisive mistake! White has exposed themselves to deadly tactics. Notice: our rook on d8 is on the same line as the opponent's queen. How to take advantage of this? Correct—sacrifice the bishop on h2! But first, we remove the knight on f3—the main defender
8... Bxf39. Bxf3After 9. Bxf3And now for an unpleasant surprise!
9... Bxh2+10. Kxh2After 10. Kxh2Don't forget to secure the extra material by capturing the enemy ♛
10... Rxd111. Rxd1After 11. Rxd1We've achieved a decisive material advantage. Now the simplest part remains: bring up the pieces and confidently finish the game with a win
After 11... Ne5White to move. At the board11... Ne5
Original commentary from Theoria’s opening lessons, prepared by FIDE Master Maksims Golubovskis.
Put the idea on the board
Open this opening in the trainer to study and practise its lines. Start with one line, explain the purpose of each move, then try to recall it without hints.