← Petrov's Defense

Practice: Cochrane Gambit

Sacrificing the knight on f7

White sacrifices a knight to rip open the Black king position. An all-out attacking line that creates chaos and rewards aggressive play.

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nf6
3. Nxe5 d6
4. Nxf7 Kxf7
5. Bc4+ Be6
6. Bxe6+ Kxe6
7. d4
♟

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 immediately strikes back with 2...Nf6 instead of defending the e5 pawn. This avoids the main lines of the Italian and Ruy Lopez.
  • After 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4, both sides have traded pawns and the position is balanced. White's advantage is very small in most lines.
  • The Petrov is often used to draw with Black, but the Stafford Gambit (3...Nxe4?!) is a wild sideline where Black sacrifices more for a fierce attack. Popular in online blitz.

Common mistakes & traps

  • The Stafford Gambit (3...Nxe4 4.d4 d5 5.Nc3?! Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bf5) gives Black surprising attacking chances. Even strong players have lost to it in blitz.
  • After 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4, beginners often play 5.Qe2? Qe7 6.d3 Nf6. Trading queens early helps Black equalise easily.

Pawn structure notes

The pawn structure is symmetrical. The e4 and e5 pawns get traded early, simplifying the game. Neither side has major structural weaknesses in most lines.

Tips

  • The Cochrane Gambit is a one-move surprise weapon — Black must know the defence
  • White gets two central pawns and open lines for the king hunt
  • Best suited for blitz and rapid where Black may not recall the precise defence

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.