Chess Opening Theory/1. f4/1...e5/2. fxe5

From's Gambit Accepted edit

Bird's Opening
a b c d e f g h
8                 8
7                 7
6                 6
5                 5
4                 4
3                 3
2                 2
1                 1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. f4 e5 2. fxe5

This wins a pawn, but creates more kingside weaknesses. Now white will have to be careful to not allow a quick knockout in the opening, after d6 exd6 Bxd6. For example: 4.Nc3?? Qh4+ g3 Qxg3+!! hxg3 Bxg3# is a slam dunk finish.
Practically taking the pawn is the best move, since Black gambits are rarely sound due to White's first move. That way, Black's compensation is minimized compared to White's gambits.[1]

White is better, but he will defend for a long time and it is not easy. If White knows what he is doing, he should be better. At club level, it is popular as amateurs know less about the From's Gambit and there are many traps.[1]

Black will typically plan to attack the weakened white kingside. He is threatening Qh4+ and a sacrifice on g3 followed by mate after d6 exd6 Bxd6.

Theory table edit

From's gambit fxe5

d6

exd6

Bxd6

From's Gambit fxe5

Nc6

Nf3

g5

+/=

References edit

  1. a b Lakdawala, Cyrus. Bird's Opening: Move by Move. Everyman Chess, 2015.