French Defense · C00
Baeuerle Gambit
1. e4 e6 2. d4 b5
In the centre, White holds d4 and e4.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Defense.
- 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2... b5 Opens the c8-a6 diagonal for the bishop. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Baeuerle Gambit: development and initiative over material.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 212 in the French Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.