Key ideas
- After 3.exd5, Black can play 3...e4, the Paulsen Countergambit, hitting the knight, or 3...Bd6, the Maróczy Gambit, which defends e5 and prepares quick development.
- 3.Nxe5 is a strong alternative. After 3...dxe4 4.Bc4, f7 is under fire, and the Wasp Variation, 4...Qg5, counterattacks the knight and g2.
- If White keeps the extra pawn on d5 safely, Black has little to show for it, so the gambiteer depends on quick piece activity.
Plans for White
Take the pawn and develop calmly with d4 or d3, Nc3 and the bishops. Return the pawn if that gives you a clear lead in development.
Plans for Black
Play for activity: develop with ...Nf6, ...Bd6 and ...O-O, and use the open lines before White consolidates. Winning back the d5 pawn is usually part of the plan.
Watch out
After 3.exd5 e4 4.Qe2, the pawn on e4 is pinned to Black's king, so 4...exf3 is illegal. Black has to defend e4, for example with 4...Nf6.