Gunderam Gambit

The Gunderam Gambit is one of Black's rare second-move alternatives after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3. Instead of defending the attacked e5-pawn, 2...c6 leaves it hanging, and it also takes the c6-square from the b8-knight. The move does open the d8–a5 diagonal for the queen, and that is the source of most of Black's practical chances. Theory regards the line as very dubious, and the engine gives White a clear advantage.

The most critical reply is 3. Nxe5, taking the pawn and asking Black to prove compensation. A trap remains: after 3...Nf6, the careless 4. d3?? loses to 4...Qa5+, which forks the king and the e5-knight. The more popular 3. Bc4 develops normally but does not punish Black's move, and 3. d4, the engine's first choice, attacks the center directly. 3. g3 is a rare sideline. White scores well on Lichess, though Black's results are better than the evaluation suggests, which reflects how often White declines the pawn.