← Budapest Gambit

Practice: 4.Nf3 Bc5 5.Bg5 System

Pinning the knight before defending

In the Classical Budapest, White pins the Ng4 with Bg5 before defending the e5 pawn. Black sacrifices a pawn for active piece play and quick development.

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 e5
3. dxe5 Ng4
4. Nf3 Bc5
5. Bg5 f6
6. exf6 Nxf6
7. Bxf6 Qxf6
8. Nc3 O-O
9. e3 d6
♟

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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

  • 5.Bg5 pins the knight and puts pressure on Black to justify the gambit
  • Black can break the pin with ...f6, giving up a second pawn for rapid development
  • After 7...Qxf6, Black has active pieces and White must consolidate carefully

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.