Falkbeer Counter-Gambit: 2...d5 3.exd5 e4 is variation 5 of 5 in the King's Gambit course, a advanced opening course for White (ECO C32). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4 4. d3 Nf6 …. Black hits back in the centre and pushes ...e4 to cramp White. White breaks it up with d3, wins back the pawn and, in the main line, reaches an endgame with an extra centre pawn and better structure. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims the centre.
2. f4 – The King's Gambit.
2... d5 – The Falkbeer: Black counterattacks in the centre instead of taking f4.
3. exd5 – Takes the pawn and keeps material balance.
3... e4 – The classical Falkbeer: the e4 pawn cramps White and blocks the f1 bishop and g1 knight.
4. d3 – Attacks the e4 pawn at once to break up Black's wedge.
4... Nf6 – Black defends e4 and develops.
5. dxe4 – Removes the wedge and opens the d-file and the c1 bishop.
5... Nxe4 – The knight recaptures on a strong central square.
6. Nf3 – Develops and keeps ...Qh4+ out.
6... Bc5 – Black aims at f2 and stops White castling short.
7. Qe2 – Attacks the e4 knight, which stands on the e-file in front of Black's king.
7... Bf5 – Defends the e4 knight.
8. Nc3 – Attacks the e4 knight a second time.
8... Qe7 – Defends e4 again with the queen.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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