Stein Gambit

The Stein Gambit answers the Classical Variation, 2...Bc5, with 3. f4. It offers the f-pawn in King's Gambit fashion even though Black's bishop already bears down on the weakened a7–g1 diagonal. Taking with 3...exf4 is the most frequent reply, and 3...d6 is a common way to decline. The exchange 3...Bxg1 is less often played but scores well for Black. The engine favors the central counterstrike 3...d5 and rates Black slightly better. The gambit is an offbeat sideline of the Bishop's Opening.