The Falkbeer Countergambit is lesson 4 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 2: gambits, an opening course suited to players rated around 1200 (improving players). King's Gambit Declined, Falkbeer Countergambit, C31. Black answers a gambit with a counter-gambit. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
White played the King's Gambit, f4. White's king side is loose now. Black strikes back in the centre instead of taking the pawn. About 80.6 million rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
d5! Black gives the d-pawn. If exd5, the e-pawn pushes to e4 and cramps White.
After exd5 and e4, that pawn covers d3 and f3, so White's pieces have fewer good squares. White breaks it with d3, and Black develops fast. The engines call it about equal.
Recap.
Against the King's Gambit, d5 hits back in the centre.
After exd5, e4 cramps White.
If fxe5, Qh4 check and Qxe4 check win a rook.
Black develops fast for the pawn.
What you practise
First play the line. You are Black: play the moves of the Falkbeer Countergambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. You are Black. White offers the f-pawn. Do not take it. Strike back in the centre.
White takes on e5 with the f-pawn. That is a big mistake: the line from h4 to e1 is open.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are Black: play the moves of the Falkbeer Countergambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. White answers f4. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. You are Black. White offers the f-pawn. Do not take it. Strike back in the centre. That is the Falkbeer. Your pawn on e4 cramps White, and your pieces come out fast.
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