Scandinavian Icelandic Gambit: 5.Nf3
Scandinavian: Icelandic Gambit
Definition
The Icelandic Gambit is an aggressive branch of the Scandinavian Defence that arises after 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 e6. Black immediately sacrifices a pawn (and sometimes a second) to accelerate development, seize the initiative, and strive for rapid piece activity against White’s center. The line earned its name from the group of Icelandic masters—most notably Jóhann Hjartarson, Jón Kristinsson, and Friðrik Ólafsson—who analyzed and popularized it in the 1960s–70s.
Move-order and Key Position
The critical tabiya is reached after:
Black has given up a pawn (and often recaptures it later with ...Qxd4 or ...c5) but stands ready to develop rapidly with ...Nc6, ...Qe7, and long-term pressure on the dark squares.
Strategic Themes
- Development vs. Material: Black stakes the game on swift piece play. If White neutralises the pressure, the extra pawn may prove decisive.
- Central Tension: Black targets the d4–e4 pawns with ...c5, ...Nc6, and active bishop lines (…Bb4+ or …Bb4).
- King Safety: Both sides often castle opposite wings (White short, Black long), leading to double-edged attacks.
- Minor-piece Activity: The f8-bishop typically flies to b4 or c5, while the light-squared bishop aims at c5, b4, or sometimes d6.
Representative Lines
- Main Line (5. Nf3):
1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 e6 4. dxe6 Bxe6 5. Nf3 c5 6. Bb5+ Nc6
Leads to razor-sharp play; 5. Nf3 is covered in the next entry. - Alternative (5. c4): 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 e6 4. dxe6 Bxe6 5. c4 Nc6 6. Nf3 Bb4+ — White clings to the pawn but allows Black dynamic compensation.
- Trappy Line (5. Bd3?!): After 5… c5! 6. dxc5 Bxc5, Black regains the pawn with strong initiative.
Historical & Practical Significance
The gambit has served as a surprise weapon at top level. GM Jóhann Hjartarson used it effectively in the 1986 Interzonal, and GM Fabiano Caruana tried it in rapid play (e.g., Caruana – Kamsky, Saint Louis Rapid 2014). While modern engines rate the gambit as sound but risky, its practical value endures because many White players are uncomfortable facing early material sacrifices.
Interesting Facts
- Because it originated from detailed analysis sessions in Reykjavík’s Hellirinn (“The Cave”) chess café, locals jokingly dubbed some lines the “Cave Variation.”
- Kasparov briefly looked at the gambit while preparing seconds for the 1990 World Championship but deemed it “too wild” for match play.
- The line is sometimes marketed in databases as the “Portuguese” or “Palma” Gambit, yet Icelandic players were first to publish systematic coverage.
5.Nf3 (in the Icelandic Gambit)
Definition
5. Nf3 is the main theoretical reply to Black’s pawn offer in the Icelandic Gambit: 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 e6 4. dxe6 Bxe6 5. Nf3. White continues development, guards the d4 pawn, and prepares to castle kingside, while declining to hang on to the extra pawn with 5. c4.
Purpose and Ideas for White
- Piece Safety: The f3-knight protects d4 and covers the e5-square against Black’s central break.
- Flexible Setup: White can choose between an Extended Classical structure with Be2–0-0 or a more combative plan involving Bc4 and Qe2.
- Simplification Motifs: If Black overpresses, exchanges in the center can transpose to a favorable endgame thanks to White’s extra pawn.
Black’s Typical Continuations
- 5… c5! The main line, striking at d4 immediately. After 6. Bb5+ Nc6 7. 0-0 Qb6, the position explodes with mutual tactics.
- 5… Bd6 A solid alternative leading to structures similar to the French Winawer once Black plays …c5 and …Qc7.
- 5… Nc6 A move-order finesse. If White drifts, …Qxd4 can recover the pawn with interest.
Model Game
Hjartarson – Kristinsson, Reykjavík 1983 demonstrates the tactical minefield: after mutual sacrifices, White’s extra pawn counts only if he neutralises the initiative—something Hjartarson managed with accurate defence on moves 16–20.
Practical Tips
- If you play White: memorise the forcing line 5. Nf3 c5 6. Bb5+ Nc6 7. 0-0. Tactical motifs such as the intermezzo 8. Re1 and sacrifices on e6 recur in many sub-variations.
- If you play Black: be ready for the quiet but poisonous sideline 6. c3, when regaining the pawn may require the precise 6… Nc6 7. 0-0 Bd6.
Interesting Tidbits
- Engines once suggested the stunning novelty 7… cxd4!? in the main line, a pawn sacrifice inside a pawn sacrifice, illustrating how double-edged this variation remains even in the computer era.
- GM Vassily Ivanchuk experimented with 5. Nf3 in blitz events, quipping that “the extra pawn is insurance, not investment”—he was willing to give it back for time whenever necessary.