The Göring Gambit is lesson 2 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 2: gambits, an opening course suited to players rated around 1200 (improving players). Scotch Game, Göring Gambit, C44. White offers a second pawn for fast development. 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
This is the Scotch Game. Black took on d4. Instead of taking back, White can offer another pawn and race ahead in development. About 76 million rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
c3! White offers the c-pawn. If dxc3, the knight takes back on c3 and is developed at once.
After dxc3 and Nxc3, White plays Bc4 and castles. The bishop on c4 and the knight on f3 aim at f7. White is a pawn down but much faster. The engines call it about equal.
Recap.
After exd4 in the Scotch, c3 offers a second pawn.
Nxc3 develops with tempo.
Bc4 and castling aim at f7.
If Black answers d5, take with exd5.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Göring Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black took on d4. Do not take back. Offer another pawn and get your pieces out fast.
Black declines with d5 and strikes in the centre. Take the pawn.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Göring Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers exd4. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black took on d4. Do not take back. Offer another pawn and get your pieces out fast. That is the Göring Gambit. A pawn for quick development and open lines.
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