Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

O'Kelly Variation, Normal System, Cortlever Gambit

B28gambitoffbeat

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3a6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Bc4
448 games50%47%

A rare gambit in the O'Kelly Sicilian in which White answers 3...cxd4 with 4. Bc4, developing quickly instead of recapturing the d4-pawn.

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About the Cortlever Gambit

The Cortlever Gambit is White's fourth-move alternative to 4. Nxd4 in the Normal System of the O'Kelly Variation. 4. Bc4 develops the bishop toward f7 and leaves Black a pawn up on d4 for the time being. Black usually replies 4...e6, blunting the bishop, and 4...Nc6 is a distant second. The thrust 4...b5, gaining time against the bishop, scores badly for Black in practice. The engine considers the position roughly balanced, and the line is rarely played.

Popular continuations