Bishop's Opening · C23
Thorold Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 b5 3. Bxb5 f5
The structure hands Black the half-open b-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it. Black's pawn on d7 is pinned against the king.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Bc4 Develops the bishop to c4, eyeing d5. It eyes f7, the one square only the king defends. Theory calls this the Bishop's Opening.
- 2... b5 Puts the question to the bishop on c4 - retreat, trade, or be taken.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 41 in the Bishop's Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.