Danish Accepted: Schlechter Defence 5...d5 is variation 1 of 6 in the Danish Gambit and Centre Game course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO C21). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 cxb2 …. Black takes both pawns and then gives one back with 5...d5. This is Black's best defence. White takes on f7, trades queens and reaches an equal endgame with more active pieces. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre and frees the bishop and the queen.
1... e5 – Black takes an equal share of the centre.
2. d4 – White opens the centre at once.
2... exd4 – Black takes the pawn. This is by far the most common reply.
3. c3 – The Danish Gambit. White offers a second pawn to develop fast.
3... dxc3 – Black accepts the gambit.
4. Bc4 – White develops and aims at f7. A second pawn is on offer now.
4... cxb2 – Black takes a second pawn and attacks the c1 bishop.
5. Bxb2 – White takes back. Two white bishops aim at Black's king, and Black is two pawns up.
5... d5 – The Schlechter Defence, the best defence. Black gives back a pawn to free the game.
6. Bxd5 – White takes back with the bishop. It hits f7 and b7.
6... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks the d5 bishop.
7. Bxf7+ – The safest way. White takes on f7 with check, and the queens come off.
7... Kxf7 – Black takes the bishop.
8. Qxd8 – White takes the queen. Black now gets the queen back with a check first.
8... Bb4+ – Black checks before taking back the queen.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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