← Danish Gambit

Practice: 3...Nf6 Variation

Black declines by developing the knight

Black ignores the gambit pawn and develops the knight to f6. After 4.e5 Nd5 5.cxd4, White has a strong centre but Black's knight is actively placed on d5.

1. e4 e5
2. d4 exd4
3. c3 Nf6
4. e5 Nd5
5. cxd4 d6
6. Nf3 Bg4
7. Be2 dxe5
8. Nxe5 Bxe2
9. Qxe2 Nc6
♟

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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

  • 3...Nf6 is a solid way to decline the gambit — Black develops instead of taking
  • The knight on d5 is well-placed and challenges White's central control
  • This line is less risky than accepting the gambit but still allows rich play

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.