Key ideas
- The full gambit runs 3...dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2. White is two pawns down, but the bishops on c4 and b2 bear down on f7 and g7, and White is well ahead in development.
- 4.Nxc3 instead of 4.Bc4 gives only one pawn, keeping a lead in development with less risk.
- Black's best-known defence is to return material at once. In the Schlechter Defense, 5...d5 6.Bxd5 Nf6, Black gives back a pawn to finish development and blunt the bishops.
- Declining with 3...d5 is also good. After 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.cxd4, White has an isolated d-pawn and active pieces, and Black has easy development.
Plans for White
Develop at speed with Bc4, Nf3 or Ne2, Nc3 and quick castling, and aim at f7 and g7. The attack must come before Black consolidates, because in an endgame the extra pawns count.
Plans for Black
Take the pawns only with a clear plan to give one back. The ...d5 counterstrike and quick development with ...Nf6, ...Bb4+ or ...Be7 and castling defuse most of White's play.