← Bishop's Opening

Practice: Urusov Gambit

3.d4 opens the center

The Urusov Gambit is White's sharpest response, sacrificing a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances.

1. e4 e5
2. Bc4 Nf6
3. d4 exd4
4. Nf3 d5
5. exd5 Bb4+
6. c3 Qe7+
7. Be2 Nxd5
8. O-O Qf6
9. cxd4 Ne7
10. Nc3 O-O
♟

Interactive practice board - requires JavaScript.

Use a chess board to memorise this line move by move. Your moves are checked against the correct sequence, with hints, a streak goal, and progress tracking.

Enable JavaScript or return to the opening page to see all available lines.

Key strategic ideas

  • White develops the bishop to c4 to control the d5 square and target f7
  • White often follows up with Nf3 and c3 to build a pawn center with d4
  • The Urusov Gambit (3.d4) is a direct way to open the center for attacking chances

Common mistakes & traps

  • The Lewis Countergambit (2...Bc5 3.c3 d5) can catch unprepared players - White should capture on d5 rather than advance
  • Black's ...Qg5 in the del Rio Variation attacks the g2 pawn and can create early counterplay if White is careless

Pawn structure notes

White typically has a pawn on e4 with a flexible setup. In quiet lines Black often plays ...d6, keeping tension in the center. The Urusov Gambit leads to open positions with an extra pawn for Black but strong piece play for White.

Tips

  • White gambits a pawn for lightning-fast development and open lines
  • Black's king can be stuck in the center under heavy fire
  • White should prioritise development over regaining the pawn

About this line

This line is rated intermediate. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.