Danish Gambit Accepted · C21

Chigorin Defense

1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 cxb2 5. Bxb2 Qe7

Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. White's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal. White's pawn on e4 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. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Center Game.
• 2... exd4 Takes the pawn on d4, toward the centre. Theory calls this the Center Game Accepted.

Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 6 more moves in this line, 10 in all.