20. Marshall Gambit (3...e6 4.e4 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Bb4+)
White sacrifices a pawn to get a devastating attack on the kingside.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 e6 4.e4 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Qxd4 7.Bxb4 Qxe4+ 8.Be2 Na6 9.Ba5 b6 10.Qd6 Bd7 11.Bc3 f6 12.Nf3 Nh6
Move by move
- 1.d4 – White takes the center with the queen's pawn, already defended by the Queen, and opens the diagonal for the c1 Bishop. The repertoire plan is c4 next move to attack Black's d5 pawn at once.
- 1...d5 – Black answers symmetrically: the d5 pawn prevents e4 and contests the center. White can now hit it from the side with the c-pawn.
- 2.c4 – The Queen's Gambit attacks d5 with a flank pawn. It is not a real sacrifice: after 2...dxc4 White regains the pawn with e3 and Bxc4, or takes the center with e4.
- 2...c6 – Slav Defense: Black supports d5 with the c-pawn and leaves the c8 Bishop's diagonal free, so it can come out to f5 or g4 before ...e6. In return it gives up the ...c5 push for now.
- 3.Nc3 – The Knight develops and prepares e4. Black can answer with ...e6 to enter the c6-d5-e6 triangle.
- 3...e6 – Black reinforces d5 with the c6-d5-e6 triangle. White can now play the Marshall Gambit with 4.e4.
- 4.e4 – Marshall Gambit: White takes the center and offers the d4 pawn to get a lead in development and an attack on the dark squares.
- 4...dxe4 – Black captures on e4 and accepts the challenge. White recaptures with the Knight.
- 5.Nxe4 – The Knight recaptures on e4 and centralizes. The d4 pawn, however, is no longer defended by the c3 Knight.
- 5...Bb4+ – Black gives check with the Bishop to deflect the c1 Bishop and then take d4 with the Queen.
- 6.Bd2 – White blocks the check with the Bishop and offers the d4 pawn: this is the heart of the Marshall Gambit.
- 6...Qxd4 – The Queen takes d4 and attacks the e4 Knight and the d2 Bishop. It now threatens ...Qxe4+.
- 7.Bxb4 – White captures the b4 Bishop, the defender of Black's dark squares. Black takes the Knight with check.
- 7...Qxe4+ – The Queen captures the Knight with check. White is a pawn down, but Black's dark squares are weak.
- 8.Be2 – White blocks the check and develops the Bishop. Black has an extra pawn but White has a big lead in development.
- 8...Na6 – The Knight attacks the b4 Bishop and develops. Black tries to gain time.
- 9.Ba5 – The Bishop goes to a5 and controls d8 and c7: as long as it stays there Black cannot castle long.
- 9...b6 – Black chases away the a5 Bishop and prepares ...Bb7. The b6 pawn, however, weakens c6.
- 10.Qd6 – The Queen enters d6 and prevents Black's short castling by controlling f8. Black's King stays in the center.
- 10...Bd7 – The Bishop develops and prepares ...O-O-O. The d7 square is, however, under fire from the d6 Queen.
- 11.Bc3 – The Bishop returns to the long diagonal a1-h8 and attacks g7. Black must defend the kingside.
- 11...f6 – Black closes the diagonal and controls e5. The f6 pawn, however, weakens e6.
- 12.Nf3 – The Knight develops and prepares castling. White has all pieces ready.
- 12...Nh6 – The Knight develops and prepares ...Nf7 to chase away the d6 Queen.
How to exploit the position
White is a pawn down but has a big lead in development and the Queen on d6; Black's King cannot castle.
- Castle and bring the Rooks to d1 and e1 against the d7 Bishop and the e6 pawn.
- The f3 Knight goes to d4 to hit e6 and c6.
- Keep the Queen on d6 as long as possible: it blocks Black.
- Black wants ...Nf7 to chase away the Queen and ...O-O-O: anticipate it with the attack.
Master tips
The Queen on d6
In the Marshall Gambit the Queen on d6 prevents Black's castling and blocks his development.