Maddigan Gambit

The Maddigan Gambit arises after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5, when Black strikes at d4 with the king's pawn and offers it to the d-pawn. The idea recalls the Budapest Gambit, 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5, but the differences favor White. With the knight on c3 instead of a pawn on c4, White has already developed a piece and keeps e4 available. Black's claim to compensation therefore rests mostly on quick development and piece activity. Engines regard the gambit as unsound and give White a large advantage after the pawn is taken. It is an uncommon choice that appears mainly in online play.

About two-thirds of games continue 3. dxe5, and White scores well in them. Two other replies decline the pawn. With 3. e4, White builds a broad center and lets Black capture on d4. The advance 3. d5 gains space and keeps the position closed. Both are far less common and give results somewhat closer to even. Besides 3. dxe5, the engines also suggest the developing moves 3. Bg5 and 3. e3.