Orthoschnapp Gambit

The Orthoschnapp Gambit is a branch of the Steiner Variation, 2. c4, in which White plays 3. cxd5 exd5 4. Qb3 rather than steering toward the symmetrical structure that follows 3. exd5 exd5 4. cxd5 Qxd5 5. Nc3. The queen sortie leaves the e4-pawn undefended. In return White hopes to gain time and to use the b3-f7 diagonal, with the queen striking at d5 now and at f7 once that pawn has moved. The opening is a deliberate sideline and far less common than the normal 2. d4 lines.

Accepting with 4...dxe4 is the most frequent reply and also the engine's first choice. After it the d5-pawn is gone and the diagonal toward f7 is open. Black can also decline with 4...Nf6, which develops while guarding d5, or with 4...c6, which supports d5 with a pawn. 4...Qe7 is another engine-approved option. The engine rates the position as clearly better for Black. White nevertheless scores well on Lichess, where the open lines and early contact tend to be harder for the defender to handle at speed.