← Danish Gambit

Practice: Classical Defense (6…Nf6)

Returning the pawn for safety

Black returns one of the pawns with 5…d5, breaking White’s centre. The bishop retreats to d5 and Black attacks it immediately with 6…Nf6. The soundest defence to the Danish.

1. e4 e5
2. d4 exd4
3. c3 dxc3
4. Bc4 cxb2
5. Bxb2 d5
6. Bxd5 Nf6
♟

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Key strategic ideas

  • White sacrifices up to two pawns (first the c-pawn, then the b-pawn) to get two bishops pointing at the kingside for a fast attack.
  • After 3...dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2, White has immediate threats of Bxf7+ and Qb3. Black must defend precisely.
  • Even if Black returns the pawns, White ends up with active development and attacking chances. The gambit is sound enough for casual play.

Common mistakes & traps

  • If Black plays badly: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2 Nf6? 6.e5! d5 7.exf6 dxc4 8.Qh5. White has a winning attack.
  • Black's safest response is 5...d5! immediately, returning one pawn to break White's centre and equalise comfortably.

Pawn structure notes

White gives up the c- and b-pawns, leaving an e4-d4 centre against Black's extra pawns on the queenside. White's bishops are powerful on the open long diagonals, especially the one on b2.

Tips

  • 5…d5 is the most principled way to defuse the gambit - Black returns the pawn for development
  • After 6.Bxd5 Nf6, Black gains time by attacking the bishop
  • This line gives Black a solid, equal position without the risk of the Accepted lines

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.