Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense · C25

Hamppe-Allgaier Gambit, Thorold Variation

1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. Nc3 g5 5. h4 g4 6. Ng5 h6 7. Nxf7 Kxf7 8. d4

An early pawn trade leaves the e-file as Black's avenue and the f-file as White'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.

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. f4 Challenges the pawn on e5 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the King's Gambit: development and initiative over material.
2... exf4 Takes the pawn on f4, toward the centre. Theory calls this the King's Gambit Accepted.

Where this fits

This line is one of 15 in the Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.

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