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Vienna Gambit, with Max Lange Defense

Hamppe-Allgaier Gambit, Alapin Variation

C25gambittacticaloffbeat

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nc3Nc6
  3. 3.f4exf4
  4. 4.Nf3g5
  5. 5.h4g4
  6. 6.Ng5d6
42 games52%43%

The Alapin Variation of the Hamppe-Allgaier Gambit, 6...d6, frees Black's light-squared bishop instead of driving off the g5-knight. A rare, sharp line.

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About the Alapin Variation

The Alapin Variation, 6...d6, is Black's main alternative to 6...h6 in the Hamppe-Allgaier Gambit. Black does not challenge the knight on g5 at once. Instead, the move opens the diagonal of the c8-bishop while Black keeps the extra pawn. White most often replies 7. Bc4, bearing down on f7, with 7. d4 the next most common choice. The immediate 7. Nxf7 is rare. The engine gives Black a slight edge, and the line seldom appears in practice.

Popular continuations