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. Beautiful Checkmate!
1. e41... e5After 1... e5Developing the king's ♞, attacking the ♟e5.
2. Nf32... Nc6After 2... Nc6To play the gambit, we need to develop the light-squared ♝ to c4, aiming at the black ♟f7.
3. Bc43... Bc5After 3... Bc5We've reached a critical position. Now we sacrifice the ♟b2 to distract the opponent's pieces!
4. b4
After 4... Bxb4White to move. At the board4... Bxb4After 4... Bxb4The gambit idea is simple: we sacrifice a ♟ to gain initiative. In return, we get three important things: 1) a strong pawn center after ♟c3 and ♟d4; 2) development tempo while Black spends time accepting the gambit; 3) rapid piece development with specific threats.
5. c35... Be7After 5... Be7A very rare continuation at the 500-1500 ELO level, but still possible. Our game plan remains unchanged: play ♟d2-d4, seizing the center.
6. d46... exd4After 6... exd4We can capture the ♟ in return, but we can play even stronger by bringing the ♛ into play on b3, attacking ♟f7.
7. Qb37... Nh6After 7... Nh6Yes, Black defends ♟f7, but we eliminate the ♞h6, removing the sole defender of ♟f7.
8. Bxh6After 8... gxh6White to move. At the board8... gxh6After 8... gxh6We take ♟f7 with check.
9. Bxf7+9... Kf8After 9... Kf8White has many good moves, but I recommend securing the ♚, postponing further decisions for one move.
10. O-O10... d6After 10... d6Now, as Black "opens the path" for the light-squared ♝ with a clear intention to send it to g4, we retreat the ♝ to h5, threatening mate in one.
11. Bh511... Ne5After 11... Ne5A decisive mistake. We exchange the ♞, getting closer to the enemy ♚.
12. Nxe512... dxe5After 12... dxe5MATE IN ONE!
After 13. Qf7#Black to move. At the board13. Qf7#
2. Quick Queen Trap
1. e41... e5After 1... e5We develop the king's ♞, attacking the ♟e5.
2. Nf32... Nc6After 2... Nc6To play the gambit, we need to develop the light-squared ♝ to c4 targeting the black ♟f7.
3. Bc43... Bc5After 3... Bc5We've reached a critical position. Now we sacrifice the ♟b2 to distract the opponent's pieces!
4. b4After 4... Bxb4White to move. At the board4... Bxb4After 4... Bxb4The idea of the gambit is simple: we sacrifice a ♟ for the initiative. In return, we gain three important things: 1) a strong pawn center after ♟c3 and ♟d4; 2) a tempo for development while Black takes time accepting the gambit; 3) rapid piece development with specific threats.
5. c35... Ba5After 5... Ba5Black might try to retreat to the edge of the board, avoiding potential ♟ thrusts. Our strategy remains unchanged: play aggressively, seizing the ♟d2 center.
6. d46... d6After 6... d6Black might try not accepting the second pawn sacrifice, reinforcing ♟e5, forming a pawn chain. We need to quickly develop active play, otherwise, we can't justify the ♟ sacrifice. Pressure on ♟f7!
7. Qb37... Qd7After 7... Qd7Another way to reinforce ♟f7, blocking the light-squared ♝ development. Before Black develops ♞g8 and castles, we need to open the center and the diagonal for the dark-squared ♝c1. Exchange ♟s to open the center.
8. dxe5After 8... dxe5White to move. At the board8... dxe5After 8... dxe5After Black captures the ♟ in response, we open the a3-f8 diagonal for the bishop, which we utilize. Bishop to the big diagonal!
9. Ba39... Nf6After 9... Nf6Seemingly the most logical move, with which Black attacks the ♟e4... The fact is, we complete development and then strike Black in the center. Hide the ♚ in castling!
10. O-O10... Nxe4After 10... Nxe4Black takes the second pawn, leading them to total collapse on the central E file. Bring the ♜,
11. Re111... f5After 11... f5Black seems to have defended, but we continue to increase pressure, temporarily sacrificing the knight. Play ♞b1-d2, applying pressure on ♞e4.
12. Nbd2After 12... Nxd2White to move. At the board12... Nxd2After 12... Nxd2At first glance, we've given up a ♞, seemingly for nothing in return. We achieve distraction of ♛d7, which is forced to "step out" from the ♚.
13. Nxd213... Qxd2After 13... Qxd2Now, as soon as the black ♛ leaves the base - we give a threatening check ♝f7+, sending the ♚ onto the same line as the ♛.
14. Bf7+14... Kd8After 14... Kd8All that's left is to bring the last unused piece into play, winning the ♛ on the pin.
After 15. Rad1Black to move. At the board15. Rad1After 15. Rad1Now all that's left is to capture the ♛ and leisurely finish the game in our favor.
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.