Scandinavian Variation, Geschev Gambit

The Geschev Gambit is Black's alternative to the routine 3...Nxd5 in the Scandinavian Variation. Instead of recapturing at once, Black attacks the d5-pawn with 3...c6. The aim is to avoid the simplified, often drawish positions that follow the knight recapture and to steer the game toward a sharper fight. In the starting position White is a pawn up and has doubled d-pawns, while the d- and e-files are half-open.

The usual answer is 4. dxc6, which takes the second pawn. Black then gives up material in exchange for a lead in development and open lines against White's uncastled king. White can also decline. Both 4. d4 and 4. Nf3 keep the extra d5-pawn for the moment and concentrate on development, which allows Black to recapture on d5 with the c-pawn and reach a more normal structure. The engine gives White a modest edge. In practice the gambit holds up well, and on Lichess Black scores slightly better than White.