ECO code: C21
Opening Name: Danish Gambit: Accepted, 4.Bc4
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4
Description: The Danish Gambit is a bold and aggressive opening where White sacrifices one or two pawns early on to gain rapid development and open lines for an attack. After Black accepts the gambit by capturing on c3, White’s move 4.Bc4 develops the bishop to a strong diagonal, targeting the vulnerable f7-square, a common focal point in many attacking openings.
Characteristic of 4.Bc4: This move emphasizes quick piece activity and pressure on Black’s kingside, especially the sensitive f7 pawn. It also supports White’s initiative by preparing for rapid castling and potential threats like Qb3 or Ne2 to regain material or increase attacking chances.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this is a highly attacking move, aiming to seize the initiative and create immediate threats. Black, on the other hand, must respond accurately to neutralize White’s lead in development and avoid falling into tactical pitfalls.
Center Control: While White sacrifices pawns in the center early on, the opening maintains indirect pressure on the center through piece activity rather than pawn presence. The gambit aims to control and attack the center dynamically rather than holding it with pawns.
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, 4.Bc4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 124 - Move #5 black