Kings Gambit Accepted, Bishop's Gambit, Maurian Defense
King’s Gambit Accepted (KGA)
Definition
The King’s Gambit Accepted arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4. White offers the f-pawn to deflect Black’s e-pawn and open lines toward the center and the enemy king. When Black accepts the pawn with 2…exf4 the gambit is said to be “accepted.”
Main Ideas & Usage
- Rapid development and open lines. White seeks quick piece activity, often aiming at f7, the weakest point in Black’s camp early in the game.
- Center control by piece pressure. By removing Black’s e-pawn, White hopes to seize the central squares with d2–d4 or Nc3.
- King safety trade-off. White’s own king is slightly exposed after f2–f4, so timing of castling (often 0-0) is critical.
- Black’s counter-plan. After taking the pawn, Black tries to consolidate the extra material, return it on favorable terms, or strike back in the center with …d5.
Strategic & Historical Significance
The King’s Gambit was the romantic era opening of the 19th century—favored by players like Paul Morphy and Adolf Anderssen for its swashbuckling attacks. Although less common in elite events today, it still appears as a surprise weapon (e.g., Nigel Short, Hikaru Nakamura). Computer engines have shown that Black can equalize with best play, yet the practical chances and theoretical complexity keep the line alive.
Illustrative Example
After 3.Nf3 g5 4.h4 (the “main line” KGA), a typical continuation is:
White’s knight heads to e5, pieces aim at f7, and the board becomes highly tactical.
Interesting Facts
- The famous “Immortal Game” (Anderssen – Kieseritzky, London 1851) started with the King’s Gambit Accepted.
- Bobby Fischer briefly championed the defense 2…exf4 3.Nf3 d6, writing the article “A Bust to the King’s Gambit,” though later engines found resources for White.
Bishop’s Gambit (King’s Gambit Accepted, 3.Bc4)
Definition
The Bishop’s Gambit is the branch of the KGA characterized by 3.Bc4 instead of the more popular 3.Nf3. The opening sequence is:
1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3.Bc4
White develops the bishop to the dangerous a2–g8 diagonal, immediately eyeing the vulnerable f7-square.
Plans & Typical Play
- Quick attack on f7. Moves like Qh5+ or Nf3–g5 can appear at lightning speed, often forcing Black to respond accurately.
- Open-file pressure. After eventual 0-0 and d2–d4, White hopes the semi-open f-file and the c4–f7 diagonal combine for a mating net.
- Black’s common replies.
- 3…Qh4+ (best-scoring);
- 3…Nf6 (the Berlin Defense of the Bishop’s Gambit);
- 3…d5 (counter-punch in the center).
Historical Notes
The Bishop’s Gambit was a favorite of 19th-century tacticians such as Johannes Zukertort and Henry Bird. More recently it has been revived in online blitz by players like GM Baadur Jobava, who appreciate its surprise value.
Example Line (with …Qh4+)
Black checks on h4, kicks the white king to f1, and strikes in the center, leading to the Maurian Defense (see below).
Interesting Tidbits
- Because White’s king often ends up on f1, engine evaluations fluctuate wildly—small inaccuracies by either side can swing the bar several points.
- Gambiteers note that the bishop on c4 can later retreat to b3, maintaining pressure even if the f-file closes.
Maurian Defense (to the Bishop’s Gambit)
Definition
The Maurian Defense is a modern method for Black within the Bishop’s Gambit, starting from the position:
1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3.Bc4 Qh4+ 4.Kf1 d5 5.Bxd5 Nf6
Black returns the pawn to accelerate development and uses the knight jump to f6 to guard h7 and prepare castling.
Strategic Themes
- Initiative over material. Black sacrifices a center pawn but gains tempi: the white king is stuck on f1 and the queen is actively placed on h4.
- Center and king safety. …c6 chasing the bishop, …Bg4 pinning Nf3, and …0-0 are common follow-ups.
- Piece coordination. The queen and knight create mating ideas on g3 if White plays incautiously (e.g., …Ng4 and …Qf2# motifs).
Origin & Nomenclature
The line is named after the Filipino master Glicerio “Cito” Maura Jr., who frequently employed it in the 1970s and 1980s. Sometimes spelled “Maura Defense” or “Maurean,” but “Maurian” has become the most widespread spelling in databases.
Model Game
A crisp illustration is Maura – Koltanowski, Manila 1975:
Black’s pressure on the dark squares eventually overwhelmed White.
Practical Tips
- After 6.Nf3, Black should resist the capture on d5 (…Nxd5?) which gives White too much central play.
- Combining …c6 and …Bg4 is almost automatic—drive away the bishop, pin the knight, and castle.
- If White plays 6.Bb3 instead of 6.Nf3, Black can transpose by 6…Nf6 anyway, maintaining the same setup.
Why Play (or Avoid) It?
- For the attacker: Forces tactical, open struggles; great surprise weapon in rapid/blitz.
- For the defender: Requires concrete knowledge—one slip can allow Qxf7# or Bxf7+ ideas.
Fun Fact
Online databases show the Maurian Defense scoring roughly 55 % for Black in blitz (unusual for a gambit line where Black gave a pawn back), reflecting how uncomfortable many White players feel with their king stuck in the center.