ECO code: C21
Danish Gambit Declined: Sorensen Defense
The Danish Gambit Declined arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 d5. Instead of accepting the gambit pawn on c3, Black challenges White’s center immediately with the pawn move d5. This move is characteristic for its solid and somewhat conservative approach, aiming to blunt White’s attacking potential early on.
From Black’s perspective, the Sorensen Defense is primarily defensive, seeking to neutralize White’s gambit initiative by reinforcing the center rather than grabbing material. For White, this variation still offers chances to maintain pressure, but the direct attacking prospects are reduced compared to the main Danish Gambit lines.
The opening does indeed revolve around the battle for the center. White tries to open lines and develop quickly to capitalize on central space and activity, while Black counters by challenging the center with d5, aiming for solid control and equalization.
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 Declined: Sorensen Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 12 - Move #6 white