Staunton Gambit: 2.e4 is variation 6 of 6 in the Against the Dutch course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A83). It runs 17 moves and begins 1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 g6 …. White gives a pawn with 2.e4 for fast development and open lines. After 4.Bg5 g6 White opens the f-file with 5.f3, castles long and aims at Black's king with the queen and bishop. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... f5 – The Dutch Defence.
2. e4 – The Staunton Gambit. White gives a pawn to open lines at once.
2... fxe4 – Black takes the pawn.
3. Nc3 – White develops and attacks the e4 pawn.
3... Nf6 – Black develops and holds the pawn.
4. Bg5 – The bishop pins the knight, which guards e4.
4... g6 – Black prepares the bishop on g7. It is Black's safest answer.
5. f3 – White offers a second pawn to open the f-file.
5... exf3 – Black takes again.
6. Nxf3 – White takes back with the knight. White is a pawn down but well developed.
6... Bg7 – The bishop takes the long diagonal.
7. Qd2 – The queen joins the attack and prepares castling long.
7... O-O – Black castles.
8. O-O-O – White castles long. Now the rooks are ready for the centre and the kingside.
8... d5 – Black takes space in the centre.
The lesson goes on for 1 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM