Weinsbach Defense, Pfrang Gambit

The Pfrang Gambit, 5. fxe4, is White's most common answer to the Weinsbach Defense. Despite the name, the recapture restores material equality, so White no longer has a pawn invested. In return White holds a broad pawn pair on d4 and e4 and the half-open f-file. Black has the half-open d-file and targets that center. The engine gives White a slight edge.

Black's usual reply, chosen in more than half of games, is 5...Bb4. It pins the c3-knight and increases the pressure on e4. After 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 the game transposes to a Winckelmann-Reimer Gambit line that is judged favorable for White. The alternative 6. Bd3 invites 6...Nxe4, and here 7. Bxe4 runs into a queen fork of king and bishop, so 7. Ne2 is preferred. The quieter 5...Be7 is the second most frequent choice. The direct central strike 5...c5 is one of the engine's preferred moves, along with 5...e5. Among the main replies it gives Black the best practical results, although White still scores well across the line as a whole.