Albin Countergambit, Normal Line

The Normal Line, 4. Nf3, is the standard way to meet the Albin Countergambit. The knight develops while protecting the extra pawn on e5, and White holds back e3, so the tactics around the d4 pawn seen in the Lasker Trap do not come into play. Black chooses between restoring pressure on e5 and reinforcing the wedge. By far the most common reply is 4...Nc6, played in about three games out of four. White then usually picks from 5. a3, the Modern Line with 5. Nbd2, and the Fianchetto Variation with 5. g3. The Tartakower Defense, 4...c5, supports d4 with a pawn but gives up the bishop check on b4, so White can answer 5. e3 at once. The check 4...Bb4+ is a less frequent alternative that the engine also rates highly, though White scores somewhat better against it in practice.

The engine gives White a slight edge, yet online results are close to even. The position stays unbalanced: White keeps a pawn, and Black relies on development and the cramping d-pawn for compensation.