The Marshall Gambit is lesson 6 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 2: gambits, an opening course suited to players rated around 1200 (improving players). Semi-Slav, Marshall Gambit, D31. White gives the d-pawn to win the dark squares. 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 Marshall Gambit in the Semi-Slav. Black checks with the bishop on b4. White blocks with the bishop and lets the d4 pawn go. About 137,000 rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
Bd2! White blocks and offers d4. If Qxd4, the bishop takes on b4, and Black's king cannot castle short.
After Qxd4 and Bxb4, Black takes on e4 with check, and Ne2 blocks. White is a pawn down, but the bishop on b4 covers f8. The engines like White a little.
Recap.
In the Marshall Gambit, Bd2 offers the d-pawn.
After Qxd4, Bxb4 covers f8.
Black cannot castle short easily.
If Bxd2 check, take back with the queen.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Marshall Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black checks from b4. Block with a piece, and let the d-pawn go.
Black trades bishops on d2 instead. Take back with the queen.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Marshall Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers Bb4+. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black checks from b4. Block with a piece, and let the d-pawn go. That is the Marshall Gambit. The bishop on b4 keeps Black's king from castling.
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