Danish Gambit
ECO C21 · 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3
The Danish Gambit, 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3, offers one or even two pawns for rapid development. If Black accepts everything, White's bishops rake the board from c4 and b2.
Plans for White
After 3...dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2, White has two powerful bishops aimed at f7 and g7 and a large lead in development. The plan is a fast attack before Black consolidates.
Plans for Black
Black can accept and return material with ...d5 at the right moment, decline with 3...d5 at once, or play the solid 3...Ne7 or ...Nf6 setups. Returning a pawn to finish development is the most practical approach, and Black often reaches an equal or better endgame.
Typical pawn structures
Open center and open lines for both bishops; White has fewer pawns but more activity.
Who it suits
Gambiteers and players who love open, attacking positions with bishops raking the board. Less suited to those who dislike playing a pawn or two down.
Common traps
If Black hangs on to both pawns and develops slowly, Bxf7+ and Qb3 combinations against f7 often win.