Indian Game Deferred Blackmar-Diemer Countergambit
Indian Game — Deferred Blackmar-Diemer, Kraus-Mühlherr Countergambit
Definition
The line begins with the move order 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. e4 dxe4 4. f3 e5!?. It belongs to the family of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (BDG) but occurs in the Indian Game move order (1…Nf6) rather than the traditional 1…d5. The gambit pawn push f3 is “deferred” to move four, hence the label Deferred. Black’s energetic counter-sacrifice …e5—known variously as the Kraus or Mühlherr Countergambit—offers a pawn back to destabilise White’s centre and seize the initiative.
Typical Move Order
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. Nc3 d5
- 3. e4 dxe4
- 4. f3 e5!? (the countergambit)
- 5. dxe5 Qxd1+ 6. Kxd1 Nfd7 One of Black’s main continuations
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s Objectives
- Undermine White’s pawn wedge on e4/e5 before it becomes a battering ram.
- Trade queens early (…Qxd1+) to blunt White’s attacking prospects that normally arise in the BDG.
- Develop rapidly—especially the light-squared bishop to f5 or g4—using the open e-file and half-open d-file.
- White’s Objectives
- Keep an extra central pawn if possible while finishing development.
- Create attacking chances on the kingside once the queens are exchanged.
- Exploit the d-file if Black’s queen trade is mistimed.
- Imbalances: With queens off, the struggle often revolves around minor-piece activity and pawn structure rather than the mating attacks normally associated with the BDG.
Main Continuations
The most popular reply to 4…e5!? is 5. dxe5.
- 5…Qxd1+ 6. Kxd1 Nfd7 7. Nxe4 Nxe5 8. Bf4 Nbc6 — Black regains the pawn, has harmonious development, and aims for …Bf5 or …Bg4.
- Alternatives for White include 5. Be3 or 5. d5, but these allow Black a free hand in the centre with ideas like …Bb4 and …c6.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following short skirmish shows the practical dangers for an unprepared White player:
After only 18 moves Black is fully developed and enjoys the safer king, while White’s extra pawn has disappeared.
Historical Notes
- The move 4…e5 was tried as early as the 1930s by Viennese master Johann Kraus. Later, German theoretician Franz Mühlherr analysed it extensively in BDG periodicals, hence the double-barrelled name.
- Although never fashionable in elite events, it remains a favourite of counter-gambiteers in club and correspondence play.
- The ECO codes A45 (Indian Game) and D00 (Queen’s Pawn irregular) both cross-reference the line, reflecting its hybrid character.
Interesting Facts
- Because Black offers a pawn back, database statistics show that the line scores above 50 % for Black—unusual for a BDG variation.
- Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura once used 4…e5 successfully in an online blitz event, reviving interest among streamers.
- Some BDG aficionados nickname 4…e5 “the Delayed Albin” because Black mimics the central thrust of the Albin Counter-Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5).