Knight Variation, Franco-Hiva Gambit

The Franco-Hiva Gambit arises when Black answers the Knight Variation, 2. Nf3, with 2...f5. Black offers the f-pawn to challenge e4 at once. The aim is to break up White's center before White can settle it with d2-d4, and to open the f-file for later play. The cost is considerable. The pawn on e6 loses its partner, the light squares around the black king are weakened, and Black spends a tempo on a move that develops nothing. The engine gives White a clear advantage. The same name is attached to 2...f5 after 2. d4, a version generally considered dubious.

The most common reply by far is 3. exf5, accepting the pawn. Black then has to spend further time regaining it while the e6-pawn and the exposed kingside become targets. 3. e5 declines the offer, gaining space and fixing Black's pawns, and scores similarly for White. 3. Nc3 simply defends e4 and is the one popular reply against which Black does well. The gambit appears only occasionally on Lichess. White wins somewhat more often than Black there, and draws are rare, which reflects how unbalanced the play tends to be.