Lion Variation, Shirov Gambit
- 1.e4e5
- 2.Nf3d6
- 3.d4Nd7
- 4.Nc3Ngf6
- 5.g4
392 games
A sharp pawn sacrifice against the Lion Variation of the Philidor Defense, in which White plays 5. g4 to harass the f6-knight and open the g-file.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Shirov Gambit
The Shirov Gambit meets the Lion Variation with 5. g4, a pawn offer aimed at the f6-knight. Half of Black's replies accept it with 5...Nxg4, which gives White the half-open g-file. The main ways to decline are 5...h6, which prevents g5, and 5...g6. Engines rate the position as roughly balanced. White scores well in practice, except against 5...g6, where Black's results are better.