Marshall Gambit, Main Line
- 1.d4d5
- 2.c4e6
- 3.Nc3c6
- 4.e4dxe4
- 5.Nxe4Bb4+
- 6.Bd2
648 games
Main line of the Marshall Gambit in the Semi-Slav, where 6. Bd2 offers the d-pawn for development, the bishop pair and dark-square play.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Main Line
The Main Line meets the bishop check with 6. Bd2, which blocks and attacks the b4-bishop but abandons the d4-pawn. Black nearly always accepts with 6...Qxd4, hitting the e4-knight. After 7. Bxb4 Qxe4+, White interposes on e2 and relies on the bishop pair, the dark squares and a lead in development. The less common 6...Bxd2+ exchanges bishops instead of taking material. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and Lichess results are close to even.