Dutch Defense: Blackmar's Second Gambit

Dutch Defense: Blackmar's Second Gambit

Definition

Blackmar’s Second Gambit is an ambitious pawn sacrifice that arises after the moves 1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3. White willingly parts with a second pawn (the first one on e4, the second one after 3…Nf6 4.Bg5 d5 5.f3) to obtain rapid development and attacking chances against the Dutch Defense. Although objectively dubious, the line is highly practical in rapid or club play and is a direct cousin of Blackmar’s original gambit in the Queen’s Pawn Opening (1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3).

Typical Move-Order

One of the most common pathways:

• 1. d4 f5
• 2. e4 fxe4
• 3. Nc3 Nf6
• 4. Bg5 d5
• 5. f3 exf3
• 6. Nxf3

After 6.Nxf3 White is down two pawns but enjoys a lead in development, the half-open e- and f-files, and pressure against Black’s slightly drafty king-side.

Strategic Ideas for White

• Exploit the half-open e-file with Re1 and potential sacrifices on e7 or e6.
• Pin or undermine the knight on f6 (Bg5, Qd2, 0-0-0 ideas).
• Hasten development: Bc4, Qe2, 0-0-0, and roll the g- and h-pawns toward the Black king.
• Use the knight duo (Nc3–Ne5, Nf3–g5) to spearhead attacks on f7, h7, and e6.

Strategic Ideas for Black

• Return one pawn with …e5 or …c5 at a convenient moment to reduce pressure and liberate the pieces.
• Exchange pieces (especially queens) to blunt the initiative.
• Fianchetto the dark-squared bishop with …g6 and …Bg7 to reinforce the long diagonal and castle short.
• Centralize the queen’s knight via …Nc6 or …Na6-c7-e6 to blockade e4/e5 squares.

Historical Background

The gambit is named after Armand Edward Blackmar (1826-1888), an American music publisher and passionate chess analyst from New Orleans. Dissatisfied with the quiet nature of many d-pawn openings, Blackmar searched for forcing pawn sacrifices that mimicked the spirit of the King’s Gambit. His “first” gambit (1.d4 d5 2.e4) and this “second” gambit against the Dutch were published in the late 1880s in The Chess Monthly. Modern database statistics show that the line remains a rarity at master level but a cult favorite in blitz and correspondence circles.

Illustrative Game

Below is a short, tactical example typical of the gambit’s spirit.

White’s sacrificial play overwhelmed Black’s undeveloped pieces. While Black could have defended better, the game illustrates how swiftly the initiative can snowball.

Modern Assessment

Engines give Black a clear edge (≈ +1) with accurate play, especially if Black stabilizes with …e6 and …Be7 or returns a pawn with …c5. However, in practical chess the combination of surprise value, unfamiliar tactical motifs, and open lines grants White ample winning chances—particularly in blitz, rapid, or thematic events.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The opening occasionally appears in computer chess because some engines, when set to prioritize initiative over material, rate White’s chances surprisingly high.
• A young Hikaru Nakamura once used the gambit in an online blitz session, captioning the stream “Let’s play like it’s 1888!”
• Blackmar’s original chess manuscripts were lost during the American Civil War but were later reconstructed from magazine clippings by enthusiasts—a testament to the enduring allure of daring pawn sacrifices.