Mieses Attack, Landau Gambit

The Landau Gambit arises from the Mieses Attack, 3. Bd3, where White protects e4 with the bishop. After 3...Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7, White plays 5. e6 and offers the pawn. Taking it with the f-pawn leaves Black with doubled e-pawns, a weakened e8–h5 diagonal and a hemmed-in c8-bishop. White's compensation is quick development and play against the loosened kingside. The setup is unusual, since 3. Bd3 can be met by 3...dxe4 4. Bxe4 Nf6, which gives Black the initiative.