Anglo-Scandinavian Defense, Löhn Gambit

The Löhn Gambit (also spelled Loehn) arises when Black meets 2. cxd5 with 2...e6 instead of recapturing with the queen. Black avoids the exposed queen of the 2...Qxd5 lines and attacks the d5-pawn with a pawn, inviting White either to keep the extra material or to give it back. After 2...e6, White has doubled d-pawns and the c- and d-files are half-open.

White's most frequent reply is 3. dxe6, which keeps the extra pawn and removes Black's central pawn, leaving Black to rely on quick development and open lines for compensation. The other common choice, 3. Nc3, declines the material: it develops a piece and allows Black to take back on d5, at the cost of conceding Black a central pawn. The engine also suggests 3. Qa4+. With either main approach the engine rates White as clearly better, and White scores well in online games. The gambit sees little use in serious play.