Bishop's Opening · C43

Urusov Gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nf3

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. White posts a bishop on c4 eyeing f7 and keeps the option of either Italian-style development or an early f-pawn push.

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... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Berlin Defense.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 3 more moves in this line, 7 in all.