ECO code: C21
Opening Name: Danish Gambit Accepted: Copenhagen Defense
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 cxb2 5. Bxb2 Bb4+
FEN: rnbqk1nr/pppp1ppp/8/8/1bB1P3/8/PB3PPP/RN1QK1NR w KQkq - 1 6
The Danish Gambit is a highly aggressive opening where White sacrifices one or two pawns early on to rapidly develop pieces and gain strong attacking chances. In the Copenhagen Defense, Black accepts the gambit pawns and counters with an immediate check by playing 5...Bb4+.
Characteristic of 5...Bb4+: This check aims to disrupt White’s smooth development by forcing White to block or move the king early, potentially making it harder for White to coordinate their pieces quickly. It also prepares Black to castle safely and challenge White’s initiative.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, the Danish Gambit is a highly attacking opening, focusing on rapid piece activity and pressure against Black’s position. Black’s move 5...Bb4+ is a defensive resource that seeks to slow down White’s attack and gain counterplay by provoking concessions in White’s setup.
Center Control: The Danish Gambit attacks the center indirectly. White offers pawns to open lines and accelerate development rather than occupying the center with pawns. Black, by capturing and checking, tries to maintain material advantage and challenge White’s initiative in the center and on the diagonals.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Danish Gambit Accepted: Copenhagen Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 21 - Move #6 black