Theoria
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French Defense

St. George Defense, St. George Gambit

C00gambitoffbeataggressive

  1. 1.e4e6
  2. 2.d4a6
  3. 3.c4b5
  4. 4.cxb5axb5
183 games50%49%

A rare French Defense gambit in which Black gives up the b-pawn after 3. c4 b5 4. cxb5 axb5 for a half-open a-file and quick queenside development.

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About the St. George Gambit

The St. George Gambit arises when Black persists with 3...b5 against the Three Pawn Attack and recaptures 4...axb5 after 4. cxb5. The pawn on b5 is left unprotected, and White almost always takes it with 5. Bxb5. Black then seeks compensation in the half-open a-file and rapid development, with ...Bb7 aiming at e4. The engine considers White clearly better, yet Lichess results are almost level.

Popular continuations