The Milner-Barry Gambit is lesson 2 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 4: Sicilian and French fire, an opening course suited to players rated around 1800 (strong club players). French Defence, Advance Variation, Milner-Barry Gambit, C02. White gives the d4 pawn for a lead in 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 Advance French. Black's queen and knight both hit d4. White does not guard it. White castles and gives the pawn. The gambit is named after the English player Stuart Milner-Barry. About 745,000 rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
O-O! White castles and leaves d4. If Black takes twice on d4, the knight comes to c3 with Nb5 ideas.
After Nxd4, Nxd4 and Qxd4, Nc3 develops, and Nb5 and Qe2 are coming. Black's queen is exposed in the centre. The engines call it about equal.
Recap.
In the Advance French, Qb6 and Nc6 hit d4.
O-O gives the pawn.
After Qxd4, Nc3 and Nb5 gain time.
Black's queen is exposed in the centre.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the French Advance, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black's queen and knight hit d4. Castle, and let the pawn go.
Black does not take on d4. Black develops with Nge7. Develop too, and keep d4.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the French Advance, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers Bd7. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black's queen and knight hit d4. Castle, and let the pawn go. That is the Milner-Barry Gambit. Black takes the pawn, and White's pieces gain time on the queen.
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