Wing Gambit, Marienbad Variation
- 1.e4c5
- 2.b4cxb4
- 3.a3d5
- 4.exd5Qxd5
- 5.Bb2
57 games
A line of the Sicilian Wing Gambit in which Black returns fire with 3...d5 and White develops with 5. Bb2 rather than regaining the pawn at once.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Marienbad Variation
The Marienbad Variation arises when Black meets 3. a3 with 3...d5 and strikes at the center instead of clinging passively to the extra pawn. After 4. exd5 Qxd5, White cannot recapture with 5. axb4 because of 5...Qe5+, so 5. Bb2 first places the bishop on the long diagonal. The usual replies are 5...Nf6, 5...e5, which blocks the bishop and scores well for Black, and 5...bxa3. The engine slightly favors Black.