ECO C21 · for White
Danish Gambit
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
4,936,738 games in this band reached the Danish Gambit position. From there White won 54% and drew 3%.
1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 cxb2 5. Bxb2 Bb4+ 6. Nc3 Nf6 7. Bxf7+ Kxf7 8. Qb3+
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. d4
Immediately breaking in the center and aiming for a very open position.
2... exd4
Capturing with the undefended pawn and relieving the central tension.
Moves 3 to 4
3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 cxb2
3. c3
Sacrificing a pawn in order to gain a development advantage and eventually launch an attack.
3... dxc3
Accepting the gambit and preparing to play defensively. Black aims to keep the extra pawn and prevent White from setting up a powerful attack.
4. Bc4
Developing the bishop and offering Black another pawn. White will gain a large development advantage at the cost of two pawns.
4... cxb2
Accepting another pawn and giving White a large development advantage. Black will attempt to defend the position and make use of the extra pawns.
- 4... d6: Fighting for space in the center and opening up the light-squared bishop, instead of accepting another pawn and activating White's pieces.
- 4... Nc6: Developing the knight and fighting for control over the center, instead of accepting the extra pawn.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Bxb2 Bb4+ 6. Nc3 Nf6
5. Bxb2
Capturing the pawn and developing the bishop. White is down 2 pawns but with the initiative and possible attack. Black should be able to prove an advantage with accurate play.
5... Bb4+
6. Nc3
6... Nf6
Moves 7 to 8
7. Bxf7+ Kxf7 8. Qb3+
7. Bxf7+
7... Kxf7
8. Qb3+
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- You can castle to either side, although castling kingside is most common
- The queen on b3 typically captures the bishop on b4
- The knight on c3 generally recaptures the knight on e4
- The queen on b4 often moves to b3
- The kingside knight can develop to f3 or e2
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Zukertort Opening for White