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Caro-Kann Defense

Hector Gambit

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  1. 1.e4c6
  2. 2.Nc3d5
  3. 3.Nf3dxe4
  4. 4.Ng5
684 games49%48%

A rare gambit in the Caro-Kann Two Knights Attack: after 3...dxe4, White plays 4. Ng5 instead of recapturing, hitting e4 with both knights.

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About the Hector Gambit

The Hector Gambit arises from the Two Knights Attack when White answers 3...dxe4 with 4. Ng5. Instead of recapturing immediately, White aims both knights at the e4-pawn. Black can try to keep it, most often with 4...Nf6, or with 4...Bf5 and 4...f5, while engines also suggest returning it by 4...e5 or 4...e6. The game is rarely seen. Engines rate it close to equality, and in online games the results are almost evenly split.

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