← Budapest Gambit

Practice: 4.Nf3 Variation

Knights before bishops

White develops the bishop to c4 before the knight to f3, keeping the option of an early Bxf7+ sacrifice. A sharp and aggressive response to the Budapest.

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 e5
3. dxe5 Ng4
4. Nf3 Nc6
5. Bf4 Bc5
6. e3 O-O
7. Nc3 Ngxe5
8. Nxe5 Nxe5
9. Be2
♟

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

  • Black sacrifices the e5 pawn for fast development and active pieces. This is the gambit spirit: give material for activity.
  • After 3.dxe5 Ng4 4.Bf4 Nc6 5.Nf3 Bb4+, Black gets a strong initiative. White must defend carefully to avoid getting overrun.
  • The Fajarowicz Variation (3...Ne4) is different. Black does not chase the e5 pawn but instead attacks everything in sight.

Common mistakes & traps

  • The Fajarowicz's main trap: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ne4 4.Qd4? Nc5! 5.Qxg7? Qxg7 6.Bxg7 Nxc4+ and Black wins a rook.
  • After the main line 3.dxe5 Ng4 4.Nf3 Bc5 5.e4 Nxe5 6.Nxe5 Qe7, Black regains the piece and has active play for the pawn.

Pawn structure notes

White has an extra pawn on e5, but Black has active pieces and pressure. The centre is volatile. White's best plan is often to return the pawn with d4 to consolidate.

Tips

  • 4.Bc4 develops with a threat — Bxf7+ is a real danger if Black plays inaccurately
  • After 5...Bc5, White can castle and Black recovers the pawn on e5
  • This line leads to sharp positions with both sides having attacking chances

About this line

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