Speelsmet Gambit

The Speelsmet Gambit arises when White answers the Sicilian-style 1...c5 with 2. d4 and, after 2...cxd4, does not regain the pawn with the queen or knight. Instead 3. e3 attacks the d4 pawn and offers to clear the e-pawn's path, so that the dark-squared bishop and the other pieces can come out quickly. If Black takes, the extra pawn is kept and White relies on development and open lines for compensation. The engine views the position as giving Black a slight edge, and in online play Black wins slightly more often than White. The opening sits among the less common named lines.

The most common reply is 3...dxe3, accepting the offer and staying a pawn ahead; it is also Black's most successful choice in practice. The alternatives decline to open the position for White. 3...Nc6 protects the d4 pawn with a piece and develops, while 3...d5 supports the advanced pawn and stakes a claim in the center. Both of these lead to more even results than the capture. The half-open c- and d-files define the early play, and the d4 pawn is the focus of White's efforts in the declined lines.