Theoria
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Mexican Defense

Horsefly Gambit

A50gambitoffbeataggressive

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4Nc6
  3. 3.d5Ne5
  4. 4.f4
154 games42%53%

A rare Mexican Defense gambit in which White ignores the threat to c4 with 4. f4, offering a pawn for central space and time against the knight.

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About the Horsefly Gambit

The Horsefly Gambit, 4. f4, attacks the e5-knight a second time instead of defending the c4-pawn. Because the e-pawn still blocks the f1-bishop, c4 is left unprotected, and most players accept with 4...Nxc4. The retreat 4...Ng6 is the main alternative and has scored well for Black. White's compensation is a broad center and tempo gains against the knight, but engines slightly favor Black, and the line is seldom seen.

Popular continuations