Dilworth Gambit

The Dilworth Gambit takes the most direct route against the Nimzo-Indian pin. White plays 4. e4 anyway, even though the pinned c3-knight no longer covers that square, and so offers the e-pawn. The line is named after Vernon Dilworth, who published an article on it in the March 1949 issue of CHESS magazine. His intended continuation was 4...Nxe4 5. Qg4, hitting the knight and g7, when 5...Nxc3 6. Bd2 keeps the initiative going. Later assessment found that White does not get enough for the pawn, and the gambit never gained followers beyond its originator. Chris Ward, for one, described it as critical but unsound.

Accepting with 4...Nxe4 is by far the most common reply. Black also often gives check with 4...Bxc3+ first, while the central counter 4...d5 is rare and has scored better for White. The engine gives Black a slight edge. Online results are close to even, with Black a little ahead, so the gambit survives mainly as a surprise weapon in fast play.