Kings Gambit Declined, Falkbeer & Nimzowitsch Countergambit
King's Gambit Declined
Definition
The King’s Gambit Declined (KGD) is any variation that begins 1. e4 e5 2. f4, in which Black does not capture the pawn on f4. By refusing the gambit Black avoids the sharpest lines of the classical King’s Gambit Accepted and instead seeks counter-play on more solid footing.
Typical Ways to Decline
- 2…Bc5 – Classical decline, immediately eyeing the f2-square.
- 2…d5 – The Falkbeer Countergambit (covered below); Black counter-sacrifices in the centre.
- 2…Nc6 – Preparing …d5 or …exf4 under better circumstances.
- 2…Nf6 – The Modern Defence, hitting e4 first.
Strategic Ideas
Because White has advanced the f-pawn, the e4-pawn can become weak. Black generally:
- Strikes in the centre (…d5 or …f5).
- Targets e4 and the weakened dark squares around the king.
- Keeps open the option of transposing to King’s Gambit Accepted lines later (…exf4).
Historical Significance
The KGD was popularised by 19th-century masters such as Anderssen, Morphy and Steinitz, who tried to prove that the gambit could be refuted without accepting it. Steinitz famously wrote, “It is not necessary to accept a gambit; indeed, it is often better to decline it.”
Illustrative Game
Interesting Facts
- In modern practice the KGD is considered more playable for Black than the ultra-sharp Accepted lines.
- Some engines rate the KGD as equal or slightly better for Black, but it remains a dangerous practical weapon for well-prepared White players.
Falkbeer Countergambit
Definition
The Falkbeer Countergambit arises after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 (ECO codes C31–C32). Rather than meeting aggression with defence, Black immediately challenges the centre and offers a pawn in return.
Key Branches
- Accepted (3.exd5) – Covered in the next section.
- Declined (3.Nc3 or 3.d3) – White maintains the tension; Black may continue …dxe4 or …exf4.
- 3.Nf3 – Leads to the Nimzowitsch-Marshall Countergambit after 3…exf4 (see below).
Strategic Themes
Black wagers that the exposed White king and the central pawn majority will outweigh the short-term material deficit. Typical plans include:
- Rapid development with …Nf6, …Bc5 and 0-0.
- Fixing White’s e-pawn on e4 while attacking it later with …f6 or …c6.
- Using the d- and e-files for rook activity.
Historical Context
Named after the Austrian master Ernst Falkbeer (1819–1885), who introduced the idea in the 1850s. It became a favourite of Fischer and later of modern gambiteers such as Nigel Short in rapid play.
Sample Line
Trivia
- Although the ECO lists it under the “King’s Gambit Declined,” many players call it a “double gambit” because both sides willingly sacrifice material.
- Computer analysis shows that after perfect play Black can equalise, but the imbalance often leads to decisive results over-the-board.
Falkbeer Countergambit, Accepted
Definition
The Accepted variation occurs after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5. White grabs Black’s pawn, claiming that the open e- and f-files plus the f-pawn’s advance compensate for Black’s rapid development.
Key Continuations
- 3…e4 – The Classical Line (C31). Black plants a spearhead in the centre and tries to keep it supported.
- 3…exf4 – The Charousek variation, sometimes called the Nimzowitsch Line when followed by 4.Nf3.
- 3…c6 – A modern try, aiming for …cxd5 with a solid pawn chain.
Strategic Considerations
Because the position simplifies quickly, end-game skills and precise calculation are paramount:
- White must avoid allowing …Qh4+ ideas, which can quickly become lethal with the king stuck in the centre.
- Black strives for piece activity—often willing to give a second pawn to open lines.
- The isolated pawn on d5 (for White) or e4 (for Black) can become either a strength or a target.
Model Game
The brilliant miniature Charousek–Lasker, Nuremberg 1896, showcases Black’s attacking chances:
Interesting Facts
- Old theory considered 3.exd5 dubious, but modern engines have revived it as a practical weapon.
- Many blitz specialists enjoy the line because the resulting positions are tactical yet relatively unexplored at amateur level.
Nimzowitsch–Marshall Countergambit
Definition
The Nimzowitsch–Marshall Countergambit is a sub-line of the Falkbeer that begins 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. Nf3 exf4 (ECO C32). Black re-accepts the King’s Gambit pawn a move later, arguing that the interposed …d5 has improved the central structure.
Naming
It is credited to Aron Nimzowitsch and Frank Marshall, two hyper-modern pioneers who analysed the line extensively in the early 20th century. Their combined efforts showed that Black could generate dynamic play without immediate material sacrifice.
Plans and Motifs
- Black aims for …Nf6, …Be7 and quick castling, avoiding the direct onslaughts common in the KGA.
- White often plays 4.exd5 Nf6 5.Bb5+ c6 6.dxc6 to exploit the pin, leading to razor-sharp tactics.
- Piece activity outweighs pawn structure; both sides may leave material hanging to seize the initiative.
Tabiya after 6 moves
Historical Example
Nimzowitsch vs. Marshall, Paris 1923, demonstrated the double-edged nature of the line: Nimzowitsch sacrificed the exchange but eventually prevailed in a rook ending after out-calculating Marshall’s tactics.
Trivia
- This countergambit occasionally transposes into Ruy-Lopez Marshall-type pawn structures, despite originating from 1.e4 f4.
- It is a favourite surprise weapon for players who normally answer 1.e4 with 1…e5 but dislike the heavily-analysed KGA.