Make life miserable for opponents in EVERY Black defense

3 weapons against the symmetrical King's pawn (1. ...e5)

2 options vs. other major openings (French, Sicilian, Caro Kann)

A powerful opening repertoire based on 1. e4. Our goal is to sacrifice material early and deliver crushing attacks.

Welcome to the first chapter of the White Gambits course!

As an introductory gambit, we’ll take a look at the “Max Lange Attack”. It is very easy to remember since it follows basic opening principles and uses some attacking ideas. 

In the Max Lange Attack, we sacrifice our d-pawn in a symmetrical 1.e4 e5 opening to spice things up. It is all about Black’s reaction to our d4-push and if they aren’t careful, we’ll have a deadly attack going!

Video 1

Study 1: Max Lange Attack - main lines after 5...exd4

Drill 1: main line after 11... Qxe7 12... Rd8

Drill 2: main line after 11...Qxe7 12...0-0-0

Drill 3: main line after 11...Kxe7 12...d3

Drill 4: main line after 11...Kxe7 12...f5

Quiz 1

Quiz 2

Quiz 3

Quiz 4

Quiz 5

Quiz 6

Video 2

Strategy Quiz 1

Study 2: Max Lange Attack - side lines after 5...exd4

Drill 5: side line after 10...Qd5

Drill 6: side line after 6...Ng8

Drill 7: side line after 6...Ne4

Drill 8: side line after 6...Ng4

Quiz 7

Quiz 8

Quiz 9

Strategy Quiz 2

Strategy Quiz 3

Video 3

Study 3: Max Lange Attack - side lines after 5...Nxd4

Drill 9: 5...Nxd4 line after 6...0-0

Drill 10: 5...Nxd4 line after 6...Ne6

Quiz 10

Quiz 11

Quiz 12

Quiz 13

Quiz 14

Strategy Quiz 4

Chapter 1: Max Lange Attack

In this chapter, you’ve been introduced to the “Max Lange Attack”, which is a great opening to spice things up using common principles and ideas. 

The individual studies have covered different responses to our central d4-expansion and most of the common sidelines.

The Deutz Gambit is only a little bit different from the Max Lange Attack. The point is that Black goes on to capture our d4-pawn with the bishop on c5, which is the most solid response. 

The studies both look at variations with 6…Nxd4 and 6…exd4 with a few critical possibilities at move 8 or 9.

Study 1: Deutz Gambit - main lines after 6...exd4

Drill 1: side line after 4...Bxd4 5...exd4

Study 2: Deutz Gambit - side lines after 6...Nxd4 and h6

Drill 2: main line after 8...g5 9...d5 10...Nxd5

Drill 3: main line after 8...g5 9...d5 10...gxh4

Drill 4: main line after 8...g5 9...d5 10...gxh4

Drill 5: main line after 8...g5 9...d5 10...Bg4

Drill 6: main line after  8...g5 9...gxh4

Drill 7: main line after  8...g5 9...gxf4 10...Ne2+

Drill 8: main line after  8...g5 9...gxf4 10...exf4

Study 3: Deutz Gambit - side lines after 6...Nxd4 and d6

Drill 9: side line after 7...h6 8...d6 9...Bg4

Drill 10: side line after 7...h6 8...d6 9...Be6

Drill 11: side line after 7...d6 8...Qe7 9...Bd7

Drill 12: side line after 7...d6 8...Qe7 9...0-0

Drill 13: side line after 7...d6 8...Qe7 9...d5

Drill 14: side line after 7...d6 8...h6

Drill 15: side line after 7...d6 8...Be6

Drill 16: side line after 7...d6  8...Bg4

Quiz 15

Quiz 16

Quiz 17

Quiz 18

Quiz 19

Quiz 20

Chapter 2: Deutz Gambit

This chapter demonstrated a very similar opening as to the Max Lange attack, but with one deviation being Black’s way of capturing on d4. 

After those two chapters, nothing should be a surprise now!

In the Nakhmanson Gambit, we sacrifice a knight right in the opening! 
The point is that Black will go for the material gains, but will neglect their king's safety, which can be exploited!  

The study covers both possibilities of accepting the sacrifice or trading off material. Both of those options happen 40% of the time!

Study 1: 2 Knights Nakhmanson Gambit all lines

Drill 1: main line after 6...dxc3 8...Ke8

Drill 2: main line after 6...dxc3 8...Kf6

Drill 3: side line after 6...Nxc3

Chapter 3: 2 Knights Nakhmanson Gambit

With just one study, this was an interesting gambit line that you can use to fight against Black’s otherwise boring responses in the classical e4-e5 opening. 

Black can either accept the sacrifice, or go for a trade, but both continuations offer interesting positions.

Let’s examine yet another gambit that starts with the Italian Game. After Bc4, Black goes on to develop their knight to f6 and this is where we strike with d4.

After d4, Black has a few responses. The most played 4…exd4, happening pretty much in every game, is discussed in the first study. The second study deals with less-played fourth moves.

Study 1: 2 Knights Double Gambit - main lines after 4...exd4

Drill 1: main line after 8...Qa5

Drill 2: main line after 8...Qd7 10...f5

Drill 3: main line after 8...Qd7 10...Nxd4

Drill 4: main line after 8...Qh5 10...h6

Drill 5: main line after 8...Qh5 10...h6

Drill 6: main line after 8...Qh5 10...Bd6

Study 2: 2 Knights Double Gambit - side lines after rare 4... move

Drill 7: side line after 4...Nxe4 5...Bc5

Drill 8: side line after 4...Nxe4 5...d5

Drill 9: side line after 4...Nxe4 5...Nc5

Drill 10: side line after 4...d6 5...Bg4

Drill 11: side line after 4...d6 5...Nxe4

Drill 12: side line after 4...Nxd4

Drill 13: side line after 4...d5

Chapter 4: 2 Knights Double Gambit


The first study covered the most popular line with 4…exd4, while the second one examined a few sidelines which aren’t popular, but should be considered nonetheless. 

But the theme prevails; sacrifice some material to attack Black’s uncastled king.

This chapter covers a gambit very similar to the previous one, but this time, after 4…exd4, we will not castle, but instead expand with e5. 

The studies are oriented by two of the most popular variations — 5…d5 played almost 80% of the time, and 5…Ng4.

Study 1: 2 Knights Scotch Gambit - main lines after 5...d5

Drill 1: main line after 9...Bc5

Drill 2: main line after 9...Be7

Drill 3: main line after 9...c5

Study 2: 2 Knights Scotch Gambit - side lines after 5...d5

Drill 4: side line after 7...Bd7 8...Bxc6

Drill 5: side line after 7...Bc5

Drill 6: side line after 6...Nd7

Study 3: 2 Knights Scotch Gambit - side lines after 5.e5

Drill 7: side line after 5...Ng4 6...d6

Drill 8: side line after 5...Ng4 6...Le7

Drill 9: side line after 5...Ne4

Strategy Quiz 5

Chapter 5: 2 Knights Scotch Gambit

The 2 Knights Scotch Gambit is yet another way to continue the Italian Game. By pushing d4 we free up the e-pawn (if Black takes) and gain space with e5. 

This is the last study that deals with gambits arising from the Italian Game. We will now look at other gambits from different openings!

The Danish Gambit, after 1.e4 e5, has us give up our d-, c- and b-pawns for Black’s e5-pawn. In exchange, our bishops are placed in long diagonals, as you’ll see.

Our idea is to sacrifice two pawns for a huge lead in development, especially the development of our bishop pair.

Study 1: Danish Gambit - 3...dxc3 main lines

Drill 1: 3... dxc3 main line after 7...Bg4 10...Nd8

Drill 2: 3... dxc3 main line after 7...Bg4 10...Na5

Drill 3: 3... dxc3 main line after 7...Be6

Study 2: Danish Gambit - 3...dxc3 side lines

Drill 4: 3...dxc3 side line after  5...d5

Drill 5: 3...dxc3 side line after  5...Bb4+ 6...Qe7

Drill 6: 3...dxc3 side line after  5...Bb4+ 6...Nf6

Drill 7: 3...dxc3 side line after  5...Nf6 7...Bb4+

Drill 8: 3...dxc3 side line after 5...Nf6 7...dxc4

Drill 9: 3...dxc3 side line after 5...Nc6

Study 3: Danish Gambit - 3...d5 lines

Drill 10: 3...d5 line after 8...Bxf3

Drill 11: 3...d5 line after 8...0-0-0

Drill 12: 3...d5 line after 8...Nf6

Video 4

Study 4: Danish Gambit - rare 3rd moves

Drill 13: rare 3rd moves 3...d3

Drill 14: rare 3rd moves 3...Qe7 after 7...Nd5

Drill 15: rare 3rd moves 3...Qe7 after 7...0-0

Drill 16: rare 3rd moves 3...Nf6

Quiz 21

Quiz 22

Strategy Quiz 6

Chapter 6: Danish Gambit


The Danish Gambit is a simple, yet effective way to play if you feel adventurous. White sacrifices a few pawns, but Black’s lack of development could be the deciding factor. 
Most of the time, about 70%, Black is a pawn grabber.

The Goring Gambit stems from The Scotch (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4), but our idea is to play 4.c3 and offer yet another pawn for development. After 4.c3, Black’s most popular response is 4…d5 with roughly 40% of games played. 

Study 1 however, will discuss the main line of …dxc3 — accepting the gambit.

Study 1: Goring Gambit - 4... dxc3 main lines

Drill 1: 4...dxc3 main line after 10...cxb5

Drill 2: 4...dxc3 main line after 10...Neg4

Study 2: Goring Gambit - 4... dxc3 side lines

Drill 3: 4...dxc3 side line after 5...Bb4

Drill 4: 4...dxc3 side line after 5...Bc5 6...d6

Drill 5: 4...dxc3 side line after 5...Bc5 6...Nf6

Drill 6: 4...dxc3 side line after 5...Nf6

Study 3: Goring Gambit - 4... side lines

Drill 7: side line after 4...d5

Drill 8: side line after 4...d3

Drill 9: side line after 4...Nf6

Drill 10: side line after 4...d6

Chapter 7: Goring Gambit

This chapter introduced the Goring Gambit and the three studies covered Black’s most popular approaches. Most of the time, we’ll obtain a very active position and good squares for our pieces. If not, White can always consolidate into a safe position.

Let’s take a look at a few gambit lines we can play against the Sicilian defense. Starting with the Smith-Morra gambit, chapter 8 will teach you how to play against the declined version. 

The first two studies discuss 3…Nf6 and the third one analyzes some other third moves, like …d3.

Study 1: Smith-Morra Gambit - 3... Nf6, lines with e6

Drill 1: Nf6 lines with e6, 6...Nxc3

Drill 2: Nf6 lines with e6, 6...Bb4

Study 2: Smith-Morra Gambit - 3... Nf6, lines with d6

Drill 3: Nf6 lines with d6, 10...e6

Drill 4: Nf6 lines with d6, 10...Nc6

Drill 5: Nf6 lines with d6, 7...Nxc3

Drill 6: Nf6 lines with d6, 6...e6

Drill 7: Nf6 lines with d6, 6...dxe5

Study 3: Smith-Morra Gambit - 3... side lines

Drill 8: side line after 3...d3

Drill 9: side line after 3...d5, 10...Nxc2

Drill 10: side line after 3...d5, 6...e5

Drill 11: side line after 3...e5

Drill 12: side line after 3...Nc6

Chapter 8: Smith-Morra Gambit Declined


By declining the gambit and not capturing the pawn on c3, Black tries to slow down our development, but fortunately for us, our position is completely fine if Black doesn’t grab the material.

It is time to take a look at the Smith-Morra Gambit accepted! Capturing on c3 (3…dxc3) is Black’s most ambitious way to play, and it is also the most popular one with 50% of games played. 

The studies cover both good moves (e.g. 4…Nc6, which is also the most popular) and a few worse moves (like 4…g6).

Study 1: Smith-Morra Gambit - 4...Nc6, 5...e6 & 5...g6

Drill 1: Nc6 lines with 5...e6 and d6

Drill 2: Nc6 lines with 5...e6 and Nge7

Drill 3: Nc6 lines with 5...g6, Black takes on e5

Drill 4: Nc6 lines with 5...g6 and Nh6

Study 2: Smith-Morra Gambit - 4...Nc6, 5...d6

Drill 5: Nc6 lines with 5...d6, a6 and e6

Drill 6: Nc6 lines with 5...d6 and e6

Drill 7: Nc6 lines with 5...d6 and Nf6

Drill 8: Nc6 lines with 5...d6 and Nf6

Drill 9: Nc6 lines with 5...d6 and Nf6

Drill 10: Nc6 lines with 5...d6 and Bg4

Study 3: Smith-Morra Gambit -  4...bad lines (g6, d6, e6)

Drill 11: side line after 4...e6

Drill 12: side line after 4...d6

Drill 13: side line after 4...g6

Chapter 9: Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted

In this chapter, you’ve learned how to respond to the most usual 3..dxc3 in the Smith-Morra Gambit. Oftentimes very interesting positions arise with possibilities of the typical Nd5 piece sacrifice against the uncastled king.

If you like controlling the center with d4 and e4, this could be the gambit of your choice. Black goes for the Sicilian, so the idea is to control the d4-square with …c5, but that pawn will get challenged with b4. 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.b4 - we are challenging Black’s c5-pawn. 

The studies cover the three most popular moves like …e6, …d6 and …Nc6.

Study 1: French/Sicilian - 2...e6

Drill 1: 2...e6 line after 3...b6

Drill 2: 2...e6 line after 6...bxa3 and Bd7

Drill 3: 2...e6 line after 6...bxa3 and f6

Drill 4: 2...e6 line after 6...Bd7

Study 2: Delayed Wing Gambit - 2...d6

Drill 5: 2...d6 line after 3...b6, 4...Nf6 and 7...Nbd7

Drill 6: 2...d6 line after 3...b6, 4...Nf6 and 7...Bd7

Drill 7: 2...d6 line after 3...b6, 4...Bb7

Drill 8: 2...d6 line after 5...Nc6 and Bg4

Chapter 10: Delayed Wing Gambit

The idea of this opening is to deflect Black’s control over the d4-square and occupy the center. This is a very universal opening, as it can be played against a lot of Sicilian variations.

If Black is not careful, we will have a strong center and dangerously placed pieces.