1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Albin Countergambit
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5ECO D08–D09
Black answers the Queen's Gambit with a gambit of their own: …e5, planting an advanced d4-pawn that cramps White and hides venomous traps. Double-edged and dangerous if White plays routinely.
Key ideas
- After 3.dxe5 d4 the far-advanced pawn on d4 is a thorn, supported by …Nc6 and …Bg4.
- The famous trap: 4.e3?? Bb4+ 5.Bd2 dxe3! wins material — White must know the theory.
- White's edge is real with accurate play (g3, Bg2, Nf3) rounding up the d4-pawn in the long run.
Who it suits
Aggressive players who like sharp, trap-laden counterplay against the Queen's Gambit.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Albin Countergambit move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer