Neumann Gambit

The Neumann Gambit, also recorded in databases under de Rivière's name, meets the Jaenisch Counterattack by developing the bishop to c4 instead of playing 4. d4. The e4-pawn is left without protection. The position can also arise from the Italian Game when White plays c3 early. The most frequent reply, 4...Bc5, ignores the pawn and transposes to the Classical Variation of the Italian Game, but it lets White off lightly. The critical test is 4...Nxe4. After 5. O-O d5 6. Bb5 Bd6, Black gains time on the bishop, defends e5 and stays a pawn up without White having any real compensation. White does better with 5. Bd5 Nf6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. Nxe5, which regains the pawn, though Black's development is easier. 4...d5 is a less common alternative.

The engine gives Black a slight edge. Black scores better than White after 4...Nxe4. The gambit was first played by Jules Arnous de Rivière against Gustav Neumann in 1864. Radjabov reached it through the Italian move order against Anand in 2009, and Anand declined the pawn. It is rarely seen in serious play.