Khan Gambit

The Khan Gambit answers 2. Bc4 with 2...d5, the central break that White's bishop is meant to discourage. Black does not prepare the advance with ...c6 or ...Nf6, as in the Paulsen Defense. The pawn is pushed at once and simply abandoned. In return Black aims for rapid development, open lines and play against White's exposed pieces. Analysis credits Black with real compensation, though not enough to fully justify the sacrifice. The engine gives White a slight edge, and White scores well in practice.

White has two ways to take the pawn. The more common is 3. exd5, which keeps the bishop on c4 and leaves White with an extra central pawn on d5. The alternative 3. Bxd5 is played in roughly a quarter of games and scores even better for White. It places the bishop in the center, where it eyes f7 and b7 but can become a target. The rare 3. Qf3, which declines the gambit and keeps an eye on f7, has produced poor results for White. The line is an offbeat surprise rather than a theoretical main road.