Winning the pawns back too early
Recovering material often costs the lead in development, which was the point of the gambit.
Opening guide · White, 1.e4 e5
How to play the Danish Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3
The Danish Gambit, 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3, offers up to two pawns for a big lead in development. White’s bishops on c4 and b2 rake the board toward Black’s king.
- Lines to play
- 5
- Quiz positions
- 5
Learn the Danish Gambit move by move
You play White. Each move is explained before you play it, with an arrow on the board; then you play the line from memory. When the course has more than one good move, every one of them counts.
Key ideas
Two bishops, two diagonals
- After 3...dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2, the bishops hit f7 and g7. Black must defend both before developing.
Development over material
- White is two pawns down but several tempi ahead. Nf3, Nc3, O-O and Qb3 or Qe2 follow quickly.
Black’s best defence gives material back
- ...d5 at the right moment returns a pawn to open lines for Black’s pieces. The course shows how White keeps the initiative.
Declines need a plan too
- 3...d5 and 3...Nf6 avoid the gambit. White then plays for a strong centre with cxd4 or e5.
The main lines
Double accepted: 5...d6
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2 d6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.O-O Be6
Black keeps both pawns and defends. White develops and castles.
Giving back: 5...d5
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2 d5 6.Bxd5 Nf6 7.Bxf7+ Kxf7
Black returns a pawn to open the game; Bxd5 keeps pressure on f7.
5...Bb4+
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2 Bb4+ 6.Nc3 Nc6 7.Nf3 Nf6
A check to trade a pair of pieces. Nc3 keeps the bishops.
One pawn: 4...Nf6
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.Nxc3 Bb4
Black declines the second pawn. Nxc3 develops with a lead.
Decline: 3...d5
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 d5 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.cxd4 Nc6
The most reliable decline: White recaptures and gets an open game.
Find the move
5 positions from the main lines, each with its idea. Your first try counts.
Position 1 of 5
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4
The ideaOffer the pawn.
Find the move for White.
Common mistakes
Leaving the king in the centre
Open lines cut both ways. Castle before you launch the attack.
Forgetting ...Bb4+
Checks that trade pieces reduce your attack. Answer with development (Nc3, Nd2) rather than Kf1 when possible.
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn the Danish Gambit?
Play it, one move at a time. The trainer on this page explains each White move before you play it, then asks you to play the line from memory. Read the main lines and traps, test yourself in the quiz, then play it in your games. The Great Dane Gambit teaches every line, with spaced review so the moves stay with you.
Is the Danish Gambit sound?
It is sound enough for club play. Precise defence lets Black return material and equalise, but in practice the defence is hard to find.
How do you defend against the Danish Gambit?
Accept one pawn and return it with ...d5 at the right moment, or decline with 3...d5. Both open lines for Black’s pieces before White’s attack arrives.
What is the difference between the Danish and the Göring Gambit?
The Danish is 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3. The Göring reaches a similar idea after 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.c3, with the knights already out.
Learn every line of the Danish Gambit
The Great Dane Gambit teaches it as a repertoire: 40 lines, a note on every move read aloud, and spaced review so the moves stay with you. The first line is free.
A free account also reviews your games and shows where you left the lines. Sign up