The Urusov Gambit is lesson 3 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 2: gambits, an opening course suited to players rated around 1200 (improving players). Bishop's Opening, Urusov Gambit, C43. White leaves the e4 pawn and gets the pieces out first. 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 Bishop's Opening. Black took on d4. White does not hurry to take back, and does not guard e4 either. About 2 million rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
Nf3! The knight develops and leaves the e4 pawn. If Nxe4, the queen takes on d4 and hits the knight.
After Nxe4 and Qxd4, the knight must move again. Bg5 and Nc3 bring every piece into play, and White can castle long. The engines call it about equal, with easy play for White.
Recap.
The Urusov gives the e4 pawn for development.
Nf3, then Qxd4 with tempo on the knight.
Bg5, Nc3 and long castling follow.
Against Bb4 check, c3 offers another pawn.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Urusov Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black took on d4. Develop a piece, and let Black take on e4.
Black checks with the bishop first. Block with the c-pawn, and offer one more pawn.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Urusov 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. Develop a piece, and let Black take on e4. That is the Urusov Gambit. White gives a pawn, but every move develops with tempo.
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