Blackmar-Diemer Series II 4 Gambit Books Chess BDG Book 10 - Tim Sawyer

Blackmar-Diemer Series II
4 Gambit Books
By Tim Sawyer
Blackmar-Diemer Series II: 4 Gambit Books
Copyright © 2017 by Sawyer Publications.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in
writing from the author. Reviewers may quote brief passages in reviews.
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Table of Contents
Forward to Blackmar-Diemer Series II
Blackmar-Diemer Puzzles
200 Easy Chess Positions for White
Book 1: Introduction
White Plays Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
White Meets BDG
White Mates in 1
White Mates in 2
White Mates in 3
White Mates in 4
White Wins Material
Blackmar-Diemer Games 5
Gambit Accepted and Declined
BDG Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6
4.f3 exf3 5.Qxf3
5.Nxf3 Bg4
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3
5.Nxf3 e6
5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Be7
5.Nxf3 g6
5.Nxf3 Bf5
5.Nxf3 c6
5.Nxf3 c5
5.Nxf3 Nc6
BDG Declined
4.f3 Bf5
4.f3 Bf5 5.g4 Bg6
4.f3 e3
4.f3 c6
4.f3 c5 and others
4.f3 e6
4.f3 e5
4.f3 Nbd7
3.Nc3 e5
3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4
3.Nc3 f5
3.Nc3 Bf5 and others
3.Nc3 c6
3.Nc3 c5
3.Nc3 f6
3.Nc3 g6
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4
3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4
4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Nc6
Index of Names to Games
Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 6
200 Opening Chess Positions for White
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5
5.Nxf3 e6
5.Nxf3 g6
5.Nxf3 Bf5
5.Nxf3 c6 and others
4.f3 Bf5
4.f3 e3
4.f3 c6 and others
3.Nc3 e5
3.Nc3 f5 and others
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5
5.Nxf3 e6
5.Nxf3 g6
5.Nxf3 Bf5
4.f3 Bf5
4.f3 e3
4.f3 c6 and others
3.Nc3 e5
3.Nc3 f5 and others
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4
Before You Go
Forward to Blackmar-Diemer Series II
“Blackmar Diemer Series II: 4 Gambit Books” is a box set bundle of four books in one. Those
four books are:
“Blackmar-Diemer Puzzles: 200 Easy Positions” is a basic introduction to the Blackmar-

Diemer Gambit.
“Blackmar-Diemer Games 5: Gambit Accepted and Declined” is a collection of 155 games

with commentary.
“Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 6: 200 Opening Positions for White” gives a complete

repertoire of my favorite lines.
“Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 7: 200 Opening Positions for White” gives an alternative

repertoire of lines that I play.
This is a companion to “Blackmar-Diemer Series: Books 1-4”. Now “Blackmar-Diemer

Series II: 4 Gambit Books” adds the Puzzles book to the Games 5 and Playbooks 6 and 7.
BDGers Tom Purser and Lev Zilbermints have provided me with inspiration for more than 20
years. While they did not write these books, they have influenced all my BDG thinking.
The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit gave me 30 years of fun games! Who could ask for anything
more? Chess gave me almost daily enjoyment. If you include my Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
Keybook (1992) and Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Keybook II (1999), this makes 12 books that I
wrote on the BDG. Thank you for the support and the encouragement I received from players all
over the world. I wish you all enjoy success and chess entertainment!
Blackmar-Diemer Puzzles
200 Easy Chess Positions for White
By Tim Sawyer
White Plays Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
What does White want?
White wants to attack!
White wants to have fun!
White wants to win quickly!
White wants to be dangerous!
White wants to play great games!
What can you do?
You can attack! The good news is that when you sacrifice a pawn, you gain another open file and
lines for your pieces.
You can have fun! Chess is all about tactics. Your pieces work together for a common cause.
Combinations are all around.
You can win quickly! Your pieces develop faster. Checkmates happen frequently in this opening.
Examples will follow.
You can be dangerous! Your opponents must respect or fear your threats. If they are not careful,
you will embarrass them.
You can play great games. For 30 years players have sent me their favorite games that they
played in this opening.
What could happen?
If you read this book, you will be introduced to this opening.
If you play games in this opening, you will gain experience.
If you know checkmates, you might find some in your games.
If you are a good player, you will learn the opening faster.
If you are a weak player, you can sharpen your attacking skills.
If you lose a game, search for an improvement and play again.
If you win a game, you may wish to show it to your chess friends.
If you win many games, your rating might go up. It could happen.
If you play chess for fun, this may bring you joy. It has for others.
What is my journey?
The BDG (as this gambit is called) caught my attention in the APCT News Bulletin. Anders
Tejler wrote a column called “The Gambiteer”. Andy included several short crushing White
wins.
I like to win quickly. Those pretty games impressed me with their sharp tactics. It seemed like
White won all the time with ease.
I just couldn’t do it. Why just give up a pawn for nothing? That’s way too risky. Not me. No
way. My rating was already floating around 2000. I played serious chess.
Then I burned out on chess. Like Bobby Fischer before me, I quit playing. Opening study was
too hard. Family and work occupied my time. I wanted chess. I stopped playing, but I kept
studying.
One day around 1983 I heard that Tom Purser had begun a new magazine entitled “BDG
World”. By 1984 I subscribed to it. Then I bought all the back issues. Mr. Purser published it for
15 years.
Tom Purser had been in Germany. He spent an afternoon with Emil J. Diemer. Purser was a great
promoter of the gambit. Tom Purser became known as “Mr. BDG”! Purser inspired me to play.
I tried the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit in a few blitz and computer games. Then I tried it in slow
postal chess games in 1989 where we had three days to analyze each move. I won most of them.
My USCF correspondence rating went up over 2200 a few times. The USCF sent me some very
nice Postal Master certificates.
In the final round of a rapid tournament in Hershey, Pennsylvania I played Ruben Shocron.
Bobby Fischer included a Shocron game in his famous book “My 60 Memorable Games”.
When I checkmated the master on move 25, Mr. Shocron said, “That’s just coffee house chess!”
I agreed as I went to collect the money for first prize. It is one of my own 60 memorable games.
What is your journey?
Your journey continues from right where you are. Chess may be your long time passion. It may
be your new hobby.
I assume three things:
1. You know the rules of chess.
2. You like to play the game.
3. You can read English algebraic notation.
You begin a chess game with the White pieces. In this book the White pieces start at the bottom
of the board.
It’s your move. What should you play? Many possibilities await your decision. Start by pushing
a center pawn two squares! It’s not the only options, but you know it’s a good choice.
If you want to learn the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit as White, the best way to play it is to begin
with 1.d4.
You can reach the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit after the moves 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3.
What if Black does not cooperate? Good news! You can reach the same position from many
different move orders.
What if Black plays 1.d4 Nf6 to prevent 2.e4 by White? You can tempt Black to play d5 early by
protecting e4 with 2.Nc3 or 2.f3.
You are very likely to reach some of the positions in this book at least half the time you play the
White side.
You can use the positions in this book as tools to help you win games. Your opponents may fight
back, but you can make it hard on them. This opening is full of good tactics that often work.
If you want chess to be fun, this is one good way to play. It is a bold and daring way to begin a
chess game. I’ve played it about half the time as White since the 1980s. Follow me.
What is in this book?
You have 200 Blackmar-Diemer Gambit positions. Some are very basic. Some are very
common. Some are just typical.
These positions are in the form of puzzles. Each has a challenge for you to select a move.
The solutions for each puzzle is always at the top of the next page.
Here are the sections you will encounter.
White Meets BDG
This is a basic introduction to the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit with 50 positions. You begin with
your key choices early in the game.
Later you are asked to find the most popular move for White at various points. These moves are
popular because they are good. There may be even better moves, but start with the basics.
White Mates in 1
The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit leads to many mating possibilities. This section begins with the
end in mind. You will discover many of the typical squares where White checkmates Black.
White Mates in 2
This one-two punch is the simplest checkmate combination. When you learn to see these, you
can expand upon them.
White Mates in 3
These forced checkmates are more challenging. Here is a tip. Most (but not all) of White’s first
moves are checks or captures.
White Mates in 4
These are harder. They are easy because the mates are forced and early in the game. When you
go through the book a second or third time, you can recognize the patterns more rapidly. Then
they will seem easy to you. At first they will seem hard. All the moves attack weak points,
capture pieces, or check the king.
White Wins Material
Not every game ends with a quick checkmate. Sometimes your opponent may be forced to give
up big material to stop mate.
Now it’s time for fun.
Move on to the puzzles.
Solve and enjoy!
White Meets BDG
Diagram 1
White to play Blackmar’s move 2

Solution 1 – 2.e4
Diagram 2
White to play Diemer’s move 3

Solution 2 – 3.Nc3
Diagram 3
White to play the Blackmar-Diemer move 4

Solution 3 – 4.f3
Diagram 4
White to play and reach Blackmar’s move 2 position

Solution 4 – 2.d4
Diagram 5
White to play a piece and head for a Blackmar-Diemer

Solution 5 – 2.Nc3
Diagram 6
White to play and offer a gambit

Solution 6 – 3.e4
Diagram 7
White to play a pawn and head for a Blackmar-Diemer

Solution 7 – 2.f3
Diagram 8
White to play and offer a gambit

Solution 8 – 3.e4
Diagram 9
White to play the Ryder Gambit

Solution 9 – 5.Qxf3
Diagram 10
White to play the main line Blackmar-Diemer

Solution 10 – 5.Nxf3
Diagram 11
White to play the most popular move 6

Solution 11 – 6 .Be3
Diagram 12

Solution 12 – 7.Qf2
Diagram 13

Solution 13 – 6.d5
Diagram 14

Solution 14 – 6.Bb5
Diagram 15

Solution 15 – 6.Bg5
Diagram 16

Solution 16 – 7.Bd3
Diagram 17
White to play the move popular move 6

Solution 17 – 6.Bc4
Diagram 18
White to play the most popular move 7.

Solution 18 – 7.0-0
Diagram 19

Diagram 20

Solution 20 – 6.Ne5
Diagram 21

Solution 21 – 7.g4
Diagram 22

Solution 22 – 6.h3
Diagram 23

Diagram 24
White to play and win material on move 8.

Solution 24 – 8.Qxb7 (threats to a8 or c8)
Diagram 25

Solution 25 – 4.Nxe4
Diagram 26

Solution 26 – 4.f3
Diagram 27

Diagram 28

Diagram 29

Diagram 30
White to play the most popular gambit move 4.

Diagram 31

Diagram 32
White to play the most popular gambit move 4.

Diagram 33

Solution 33 – 5.dxe5
Diagram 34

Solution 34 – 7.Nd5
Diagram 35

Diagram 36

Solution 36 – 5.fxe4
Diagram 37

Diagram 38

Diagram 39

Solution 39 – 5.Bxe3
Diagram 40

Solution 40 – 6.Bd3
Diagram 41

Diagram 42

Solution 42 – 5.fxe4
Diagram 43

Diagram 44

Solution 44 – 6.Qf3
Diagram 45

Diagram 46
White to play and regain the gambit pawn on move 7.

Diagram 47

Diagram 48

Diagram 49

Diagram 50

White Mates in 1
Diagram 51
White to move and mate in 1.

Solution 51 – 1.Nxf6 mate
Diagram 52
White to play and mate in 1.

Solution 52 – 1.Qc8 mate
Diagram 53

Solution 53 – 1.Bxf7 mate
Diagram 54

Solution 54 – 1.Qb5 mate
Diagram 55

Diagram 56

Solution 56 – 1.Qxf7 mate
Diagram 57

Solution 57 – 1.Qh5 mate
Diagram 58

Solution 58 – 1.Qxa8 mate
Diagram 59

Solution 59 – 1.Rd8 mate
Diagram 60

Solution 60 – 1.Nc7 mate
Diagram 61

Solution 61 – 1.Qxe7 mate
Diagram 62

Solution 62 – 1.Nb5 mate
Diagram 63

Diagram 64

Solution 64 – 1.Qe6 mate
Diagram 65

Diagram 66

Solution 66 – 1.Qxh7 mate
Diagram 67

Diagram 68

Solution 68 – 1.Qg5 mate
Diagram 69

Solution 69 – 1.Qd5 mate
Diagram 70

Diagram 71

Diagram 72

Solution 72 – 1.Rd8 mate
Diagram 73

Solution 73 – 1.Nd6 mate
Diagram 74

Solution 74 – 1.Bxf7 mate
Diagram 75

Diagram 76

Solution 76 – 1.Bc5 mate
Diagram 77

Diagram 78

Diagram 79

Solution 79 – 1.Nd6 mate
Diagram 80

Diagram 81

Solution 81 – 1.Qxh7 mate
Diagram 82

Solution 82 – 1.Qe6 mate
Diagram 83

Solution 83 – 1.Qxf7 mate (When White castled, Black missed the mate
threat. This position and mistake is often repeated.)
Diagram 84

Solution 84 – 1.Bh6 mate
Diagram 85

Solution 85 – 1.Qxb8 mate
Diagram 86

Solution 86 – 1.Bf7 mate
Diagram 87

Diagram 88

Diagram 89

Diagram 90

Solution 90 – 1.Rxe6 mate
Diagram 91

Diagram 92

Diagram 93

Solution 93 – 1.Nf6 mate
Diagram 94

Diagram 95

Solution 95 – 1.Ng6 mate
Diagram 96

Diagram 97

Solution 97 – 1.Ne5 mate
Diagram 98

Solution 98 – 1.Bh5 mate
Diagram 99

Diagram 100

White Mates in 2
Diagram 101

Solution 101 – 1.Bh7+ Nxh7 2.Qxh7 mate
(Or 1…Kh8 2.Nxf7 mate)
Diagram 102

Solution 102 – 1.c4+ Ke4 2.Bd3 mate
Diagram 103

Solution 103 – 1.Qxb8+ Nxb8 2.Nxc7 mate
Diagram 104

Solution 104 – 1.Qxd4+ Bd7 2.Qxd7 mate
Diagram 105

Solution 105 – 1.Nxc7+ Ke7 2.Bc5 mate
Diagram 106

Solution 106 – 1.Nf6+ Kf8 2.Qh6 mate
Diagram 107

Solution 107 – 1.Qxd8+ Ne8 2.Qxe8 mate
Diagram 108

Solution 108 – 1.Nf6+ gxf6 (or 1…Bxf6) 2.Qxh7 mate
Diagram 109

Solution 109 – 1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Qh8 mate (or 2.Rxf7 mate)
Diagram 110

Solution 110 – 1.Qxh7+ Kf8 2.Qxf7 mate
(Or 1.Qxf7+ Kh8 2.Qxh7 mate)
Diagram 111

Solution 111 – 1.Nh4+ Kh6 2.Nf7 mate
Diagram 112

Solution 112 – 1.Rc8+ Rxc8 2.Qxc8 mate
(Or 1.Qc8+ Rxc8 2.Rxc8 mate)
Diagram 113

Solution 113 – 1.Bb5+ Kd8 2.Qd5 mate
Diagram 114

Solution 114 – 1.bxa8=Q+ Qb8 2.Qxb8 mate
Diagram 115

Solution 115 – 1.Qg4+ Kf6 2.Qg6 mate (or 2.Ne4 mate)
Diagram 116

Solution 116 – 1.Nd6+ (or 1.Nf6+) Kd8 (or 1…Kd7) 2.Qe8 mate
Diagram 117

Solution 117 – 1.Nf6+ Bxf6 (or 1…any move) 2.Qh7 mate
Diagram 118

Solution 118 – 1.Bf7+ Kf8 2.Bh6 mate
Diagram 119

Solution 119 – 1.Rf7+ Kd6 2.Qxe5 mate
Diagram 120

Solution 120 – 1.Qe6+ Qf7 2.Qxf7 mate
Diagram 121

Solution 121 – 1.Bf7+ Kd8 2.Ne6 mate
Diagram 122

Solution 122 – 1.Qg4 h5 2.Nf3 mate
Diagram 123

Solution 123 – 1.Qxc6+ bxc6 2.Ba6 mate
Diagram 124

Solution 124 – 1.Ba3+ c5 2.Bxc5 mate
Diagram 125

Solution 125 – 1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Rxf7 mate
Diagram 126

Solution 126 – 1.Ng6+ hxg6 2.Qh3 mate
Diagram 127

Solution 127 – 1.Qxe6+ Kg7 2.Qf7 mate
Diagram 128

Solution 128 – 1.Bf7+ Kg7 (or 1…Kf8) 2.Bh6 mate
Diagram 129

Solution 129 – 1.Bg6+ Kg8 2.Qh7 mate
Diagram 130

Solution 130 – 1.Qh5+ Kg8 2.Qh7 mate
Diagram 131

Solution 131 – 1.Ne4+ Kc6 2.d5 mate
Diagram 132

Solution 132 – 1.Bb5+ Kd6 2.Qc6 mate
Diagram 133

Solution 133 – 1.Bxg6+ Kg7 (or 1…Kg8) 2.Qh7 mate
Diagram 134

Solution 134 – 1.Bf6+ Kxc7 2.Bd8 mate
Diagram 135

Solution 135 – 1.Bb5+ Bd7 (or 1…Nd7) 2.Qxc8 mate
Diagram 136

Solution 136 – 1.Rxf8+ Kxf8 2.Rd8 mate
Diagram 137

Solution 137 – 1.Qg3+ Kh8 (or 1…Kh7) 2.Qg7 mate
Diagram 138

Solution 138 – 1.Nxf6+ Qxf6 (or 1…gxf6) 2.Qh7 mate
Diagram 139

Solution 139 – 1.Ba6+ Kb8 2.Rxd8 mate
Diagram 140

Solution 140 – 1.Bg8+ Kxg8 2.Qh7 mate
(or 1.Bg6+, 1.Bf5+, 1.Be4+, or 1.Bd3+)
Diagram 141

Solution 141 – 1.Ne6+ Kf5 2.Ng7 mate
(or 2.Qf4 mate or 2.Qg5 mate)
(Or 1…g5 2.Qxg5 mate)
Diagram 142

Solution 142 – 1.Nxc6+ Nxc6 (Or 1…bxc6) 2.Qc7 mate
Diagram 143

Solution 143 – 1.Bh7+ Kh8 2.Nxf7 mate
(Or 1…Nxh7 2.Qxh7 mate)
Diagram 144

Solution 144 – 1.Qh7+ Kf8 2.Rxf7 mate
Diagram 145

Solution 145 – 1.Qxh7+ Kf7 2.Bg6 mate
Diagram 146

Solution 146 – 1.Qg5 Nf6 (or 1…any move) 2.Qxg7 mate
Diagram 147

Solution 147 – 1.Qc8+ Bxc8 2.Nc7 mate
Diagram 148

Solution 148 – 1.Nce4+ Kg7 2.Qxh7 mate
(Or 1…Kf5 2.Rf1 mate)
Diagram 149

Solution 149 – 1.Qb3+ Qd5 2.Qxd5 mate
Diagram 150

Solution 150 – 1.Qe2+ Kh4 2.g3 mate
(Or 1…Bg4 2.Qxg4 mate)
Diagram 151

Solution 151 – 1.Qf8+ Rxf8 2.Rxf8 mate
Diagram 152

Solution 152 – 1.Qa3+ Kd8 2.Qxf8 mate
White Mates in 3
Diagram 153

Solution 153 – 1.cxb7+ Kd8 2.bxa8=Q+ Qc8 3.Qa5 mate
(Or 1…Nd7 2.bxa8=Q+ Qd8 3.Bxd7 mate)
Diagram 154

Solution 154 – 1.Bb5+ c6 2.Bxc6+ Qd7 3.Qxa8 mate
Diagram 155

Solution 155 – 1.Qd3+ Ne4 2.Qxe4+ Kf6 3.Qe6 mate
Diagram 156

Solution 156 – 1.Bg5+ Kd6 2.Qxd4+ Kc7 3.Qxd8 mate
Diagram 157

Solution 157 – 1.Qf5+ Kc6 2.Qb5+ Kd6 3.Qd5 mate
Diagram 158

Solution 158 – 1.Rxf7+ Kd6 2.Bf4 Nd7 (Or 2…g5) 3.Nc4 mate
Diagram 159

Solution 159 – 1.Qh5+ g6 2.Qxg6+ Kf8 3.Qf7 mate
Diagram 160

Solution 160 – 1.Qxe6+ Kg6 2.Bd3+ Kh5 3.Qh3 mate
Diagram 161

Solution 161 – 1.Bxf7+ Ke7 2.Bg5+ Kd6 3.Nb5 mate (or 2.Ne4 mate)
Diagram 162

Solution 162 – 1.Bb5+ Kxd6 2.Qd5+ Kxc7 3.Qc6 mate
Diagram 163

Solution 163 – 1.Qf5+ Kc6 2.Qc5+ Kd7 3.Qd5 mate
Diagram 164

Solution 164 – 1.Qc8+ Qd8 2.Bb5+ Nd7 3.Bxd7 mate
(Or 2…Nc6 3.Bxc6 mate)
Diagram 165

Solution 165 – 1.g6 Qh4 2.Qxh4 (or 2.Rxh4) Rd8 (or 2…any move)
3.Qh8 mate
Diagram 166

Solution 166 – 1.Nxc7+ (1.Nf6+) Bxd1 2.Rxd1+ Nd4 3.Rxd4 mate
(Or 1…Nd4 2.Rxd4+ Bd5 3.Rxd5 mate)
Diagram 167

Solution 167 – 1.Qxh6 Re8 2.Qh7+ Kf8 3.Qxf7 mate
(Or 2.Bh7+ Kh8 3.Nxf7 mate)
Diagram 168

Solution 168 – 1.Qxf7+ Kd8 2.Bg5+ Be7 3.Qxe7 mate
Diagram 169

Solution 169 – 1.Nfd6+ cxd6 2.Qh5+ Ke7 3.Qf7 mate
Diagram 170

Solution 170 – 1.Rxf7 Kxf7 2.Qxh7+ Kf6 3.Bg5 mate
(Or 2…Kf8 3.Bh6 mate)
Diagram 171

Solution 171 – 1.Ne5+ Ke6 2.Qf7+ Kd6 3.Nb5 mate
(Or 1…Kg7 2.Qf7+ Kh8 3.Ng6 mate)
Diagram 172

Solution 172 – 1.Rxf6 Re8 2.Qxh7+ Kf8 3.Rxf7 mate (or 3.Qxf7 mate)
Diagram 173

Solution 173 – 1.Qb5+ Kd6 2.Ne4+ Nxe4 3.Qd5 mate
(Or 1.Bb5+ Kb6 2.Qc5+ Ka5 3.b4 mate)
Diagram 174

Solution 174 – 1.Nxf6+ exf6 2.Bxf7+ Kh8 3.Qxh7 mate
(Or 2.Qxh7+ Kf8 3.Qxf7 mate)
White Mates in 4
Diagram 175

Solution 175 – 1.Rd7 Be7 2.Rxe7+ Kd8 3.Qd3+ Qd7 4.Qxd7 mate
(Or 3.Rd7+ Ke8 4.Qxf7 mate)
Diagram 176

Solution 176 – 1.Bb5+ c6 2.Bxc6+ Nxc6 3.Qxc6+ Bd7 4.Qxd7 mate
Diagram 177

Solution 177 – 1.Bh5+ Rxh5 2.Qxh5+ g6 3.Qxg6+ Bf7 4.Qxf7 mate
Diagram 178

Solution 178 – 1.Rxd7 Qxd1+ 2.Rxd1 e6 3.Qc8+ Ke7 4.Qd8 mate
(Or 2.Kxd1 Nbxd7 3.Qxa8+ Nb8 4.Qxb8 mate)
Diagram 179

Solution 179 – 1.Nxh8+ (or 1.Ne5+) g6 2.Qxg6+ hxg6 3.Ng3+ Kh4
4.Nxg6 mate
Diagram 180

Solution 180 – 1.Rxf6 Bh6 2.Qxh6 Re8 3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Rxf7 mate
(Or 2…Nxf6 3.Nxf6+ Qxf6 4.Qh7 mate)
Diagram 181

Solution 181 – 1.Bb5+ c6 2.Bxc6+ Qd7 3.Bxd7+ Rxd7 4.Qxd7 mate
Diagram 182

Solution 182 – 1.Qh6+ Kg8 2.Ng5+ Rf7 3.Bxf7+ Kh8 4.Qxh7 mate
Diagram 183

Solution 183 – 1.Bxd7+ Ke7 2.Bh4+ g5 3.Bxg5+ f6 4.Qxe6 mate
Diagram 184

Solution 184 – 1.Qxe6+ Kg6 2.Bd3+ Kg5 3.Qf5+ (3.h4+, 3.f4+, and
3.Nf3+ also work) 3…Kh4 4.g3 mate (or 4.Nf3 mate)
(Or 2…Kh5 3.Qf5+ g5 4.Qh3 mate)
Diagram 185

Solution 185 – 1.Nc7+ Qxc7 2.Qe2+ (or 2.Qe1+) 2…Qe5 3.Qxe5+ Be7
4.Qxe7 mate
Diagram 186

Solution 186 – 1.Ne5+ Kb6 2.Qd8+ Rxd8 3.Bxd8+ Ka7 4.Nxc8 mate
Diagram 187

Solution 187 – 1.Qxe6+ Ke8 2.Qf7+ Kd7 3.Be6+ Kd6 4.Bf4 mate
Diagram 188

Solution 188 – 1.Rxf6 Bxf6 2.Bh7+ Nxh7 3.Qxh7 Kf8 4.Qxf7 mate
Diagram 189

Solution 189 – 1.Qg4+ Kh7 2.Rf3 Qd5 3.Rh3+ Qh5 4.Rxh5 mate
Diagram 190

Solution 190 – 1.Qh5+ Kg8 2.Qh7+ Kf8 3.Qh8+ Ke7 4.Qxg7 mate
White Wins Material
Diagram 191
White to play and win material.

Solution 191 – 1.Bb5+ Nc6 2.Qxd4 (Black grabbed the poisoned d4-pawn
and lost the queen.)
Diagram 192
White to play and win material

Solution 192 – 1.Bxg6 wins a piece due to the threat 2.Qxf7 mate
Diagram 193

Solution 193 – 1.Nd6+ wins the queen due to the threat 2.Qxf7 mate
Diagram 194

Solution 194 – 1.Nxg6 threatens 2.Nxh8 and 2.Qxf7 mate
Diagram 195

Solution 195 – 1.Ng5 wins the queen due to the threat 1…Nf6 2.Rxf6 Rd8
3.Qh7+ Kf8 4.Qh8 mate
Diagram 196

Solution 196 – 1.Rxf6 due to 1…Kxf6 2.Ne6 Kf5 3.g4 mate
(Or 1…bxc4 2.Rxf7+ Rxf7 3.Qh7+ Kf6 4.Nce4+ winning)
Diagram 197

Solution 197 – 1.Bxg7 since 1…Kxg7 2.Qg5+ leads to a forced mate
Diagram 198

Solution 198 – 1.Bxg5 wins queen due to 1…Qxg5 2.Nf7 mate
Diagram 199

Solution 199 – 1.Nxf6+ Nxf6 2.Bxf6 wins a piece due to 2…Bxf6 3.Qxh7
mate
Diagram 200

Solution 200 – 1.Nxf7 Qe7 (Black avoids 1…Nxf7 2.Qxf7 mate) 2.Nxh8
wins the rook
Some Final Thoughts

You might wish to go through this book again from time to time as a BDG refresher course. You
can set timed goals for yourself. Track your time for each chapter and try to beat it in the future.
If you find every first move correctly in less than five seconds, then you are doing well. If you
want more, I have analyzed games and provided theory in some of my other Blackmar-Diemer
books. Those books do not have puzzles.
Thank you to Jack Clauser for helpful suggestions on this book.
Blackmar-Diemer Games 5
Gambit Accepted and Declined
By Tim Sawyer
This collection of 155 Blackmar-Diemer Games is a companion volume to books 1 and 2. I have
analyzed and collected over the past two years. These games did not make it into my Blackmar-
Diemer Games 1 and Games 2 books because many games were just played in 2017. The notes
discuss chess situations, players, game issues, styles, stories, opinions, passions, anecdotes,
commentary, and theory.
The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit is sound on a practical level. It wins at a higher winning
percentage than the average opening. I’ve won about 2000 games with the Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit. Players have sent me their games for many years and told me how much fun it is to win
with the BDG. This is exciting chess! Know what it feels like to win. Make your chess fun!
Most of these games were played in recent years. Of the 155 games: 74 games are from 2017, 49
games are from 2016, and 32 are from 2015 or earlier. They were played in over the board rated
tournaments, in correspondence play, or in online blitz competition. All analysis has been done
by chess engines, which is typical of all my chess books written in this century.
I’ve written books on the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit for 25 years. The opening has served me
well. Ken Smith pointed out that playing gambits is a helpful step in the development of a
players opening repertoire.
When you play a gambit, you always have an element of risk and a likelihood of success. You
sacrifice your material as an investment that you hope will pay you dividends in the sense of
excellent winning chances. It worked for me. You might enjoy it too!
BDG Accepted
Black accepts every gambit pawn that is offered.
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4
Game 1 – Kramer 3.Bc4 Blackmar
Club players the world over win beautiful games with the Blackmar Gambit. The veteran player
Ralf Kramer found a creative checkmate. This game began as a Fritz Attack 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4
3.Bc4!? It transposed into a Blackmar Gambit after 3…Nf6 4.f3. Blackmar played the gambit
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3!? Diemer improved on the gambit with 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3. Maybe Kramer
knew Diemer. Both German players were active at the same time. The Black pieces were
handled by the younger and higher rated player Lutz Spreer. He played a reasonable game. Black
had two alternatives for advantage on moves 4 and 6. I love the pretty checkmate that finishes
this game.
Kramer (1559) - Spreer (1651), Lichtenberger Sommer 2016 Berlin GER (8.89), 20.08.2016
begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Bc4!? [3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3= BDG] 3...Nf6 [3...Nc6=/+] 4.f3 [Another
idea is 4.Ne2!?] 4...Bf5 [4...Nc6-/+] 5.g4!? [5.Nc3 or 5.fxe4] 5...Bg6 6.f4?! [6.g5] 6...h5?
[6...e6! 7.Be3 Nc6-+] 7.f5 Bh7 8.g5 Nd5 [8...Nc6 9.c3 Bxf5 10.Qb3 e6 11.gxf6=] 9.Qxh5 g6
10.fxg6 fxg6 11.Qe2 [11.Qg4+/=] 11...Nb6 12.Bb3 Qxd4 13.Nc3 [13.Bd2!?] 13...Nc6 14.Be3
Qb4 [14...Qe5 15.0-0-0+/=] 15.a3 Qa5 16.0-0-0 e5 17.Nxe4 Bxa3 18.Nf6+ Ke7 19.bxa3 [Faster
is 19.Bxb6!+- to attack the queen and king.] 19...Qxa3+ 20.Kb1 a5 21.Bxb6 a4 22.Rd7+ Kf8
23.Rf7# 1-0
Game 2 – Huber-Delle 3.f3 e5
Guenther Huber-Delle of the US defeated Adalsteinn Thorarensen of Iceland in the 2017
Reykjavik Open. Black chose a recommended Blackmar reply 3.f3 e5! But White was not
deterred. Huber-Delle outplayed his opponent in 52 moves. Black remained up the gambit pawn
with a light squared bishop against a knight in the endgame. White found good play on the dark
squares and Black’s pawns fell to White’s knight.
Huber-Delle - Thorarensen (1686), Reykjavik Open 2017 Reykjavik ISL (8.101), 25.04.2017
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3 e5 4.Be3 [4.dxe5 Qxd1+ 5.Kxd1 Nc6 =+] 4...exd4 5.Qxd4 Qxd4
6.Bxd4 Nc6 7.Bb5 Bd7 8.Bxc6 Bxc6 9.Nd2 0-0-0 10.Be3 Nf6 [10...exf3 11.Ngxf3 Re8-+]
11.Bg5 Be7 12.0-0-0 h6 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.fxe4 Bxe4 15.Ngf3 Bc6 16.Rhf1 Rhe8 17.Rde1 a5
18.g3 a4 19.a3 Rd6 [19...b6-+] 20.Rxe8+ Bxe8 21.Ne4 Rb6 22.Nxf6 Rxf6 23.Nd2 [23.Re1
Bb5-/+] 23...Rxf1+ 24.Nxf1 Bc6 25.Kd2 Kd7 26.Ne3 Ke6 27.Nd1 g5 28.Ke3 f5 29.Nf2 b5
30.c3 Bd5 31.Nd3 Kd6 [31...Be4-/+] 32.Kd4 Bc4 33.Ne1 c5+ 34.Ke3 Bd5 35.Nd3 Be4 36.Nc1
Ke5 37.Ne2 h5 [37...Bd5-+] 38.h4 gxh4 39.gxh4 Bd5 40.Nf4 Bf7 41.Nd3+ Kd6 42.Kf4 c4?
[42...Bb3=/+] 43.Ne5 Be6 44.Nf3 [44.Ng6+-] 44...Bd5 [44...Ke7 45.Nd4+/-] 45.Nd4 Be4
[45...Bf7 46.Nxf5+ Ke6 47.Nd4+ Kf6 48.Nxb5+-] 46.Nxb5+ [46.Nxf5+! Bxf5 47.Kxf5+-]
46...Ke6 47.Nd4+ Kf6 48.Ne2 Kg6 [48...Bc2 49.Ng3+/=] 49.Ke5 Bd3 50.Nf4+ Kh6 51.Nd5
Kg6 52.Nb6 1-0
Game 3 – Hartelt 3.f3 exf3
Rob Hartelt won quickly as White against “Cmt-il”. The gambit player Hartelt developed his
minor pieces actively. Black missed a tactic, dropped a queen, and yet played on. White
sacrificed a rook to bring about a kingside mating attack in the style of Mikhail Tal.
Hartelt - Cmt-il, Chess w/ Friends https://lichess.org, 13.08.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3
exf3 4.Nxf3 Bg4 5.Be3 Qd5 [5...e6] 6.Nc3 Qd6 7.Bc4 e6 8.0-0 [8.Qe2] 8...Nf6 9.Qd2 [9.h3!?=]
9...Qc6 [9...Bxf3 10.Rxf3 Nc6 11.Rd1 0-0-0 12.a3=] 10.Bb5 Bb4 11.Qd3 Qxb5 12.Qxb5+ Nc6
13.Ne5 0-0 14.Rxf6 gxf6 [14...Nxe5 15.Qxb4 c5 16.Qa4+-; 14...Bxc3 15.Nxg4 Bxd4 16.Qxb7+-
] 15.Nxg4 Bd6?! [15...f5 16.Nf6+ Kh8 17.Qxb7 Bxc3 18.bxc3 Ne7 19.Qxc7+-] 16.Nxf6+ Kg7
17.Qg5+ Black resigns. 1-0
Game 4 – Wight 4.Nxf3 Bg4 5.h3
David Wight captured his opponent’s royal family in this Blackmar Gambit against “jmp60”.
First, White expanded on the kingside with his pawns. He pushed back a Black bishop and then
the queen. He cornered the queen and won it for his bishop. Then White took aim at the Black
king with an f7 pin along the b3 to g8 diagonal. Wight sacrificed his queen for a smothered mate
on the Black king in the corner.
Wight (1380) - jmp60 (1403), Live Chess Chess.com, 05.06.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3
exf3 4.Nxf3 Bg4 5.h3 Bh5 6.g4 Bg6 7.Ne5 e6 8.Qf3 Qh4+ 9.Kd1 c6 10.Be3 Bb4 11.Bd3 Nf6
12.Bf2 Qg5 13.h4 Qh6 14.Be3 Qxe3 15.Qxe3 0-0 [15...Bxd3 16.Nxd3+-] 16.c3 Bd6 17.Bxg6
fxg6 18.Nd2 Bxe5 19.Qxe5 Nxg4 [19...Nbd7 20.Qxe6+ Rf7 21.Rf1+-] 20.Qxe6+ Rf7 21.Qxg4
Nd7 22.Re1 Raf8 23.Qe6 Nf6 24.Nc4 Nd5 [24...Kh8 25.Nd6+-] 25.Nd6 Nf4 26.Qb3 Nd3
27.Nxf7 Nxe1 28.Nh6+ Kh8 29.Qg8+ Rxg8 30.Nf7# 1-0
Game 5 – Pascot 4.Nxf3 Bg4 5.Bc4
Jean Pascot defeated Women’s International Master Martine Dubois in a Blackmar Gambit. She
reminded me of my high school French teacher in 1969 named Miss Dubois. Pascot got great
play in a line that later resembled a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit after 7.Nc3. White had the
initiative and kept constant pressure on the kingside. Black kept the gambit pawn but things
began to tilt in White’s favor. Black had trouble with her knights. By the time she castled
queenside on move 26 she was already in big trouble. White mounted a winning attack with mate
threats.
Pascot (1856) - Dubois (1946), 2nd Espalion Open 2017 Espalion FRA (8.17), 21.07.2017
begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.f3 exf3 4.Nxf3 Bg4 5.Bc4 e6 6.0-0 Nf6 7.Nc3 c6 8.Kh1 [8.h3!?]
8...Qc7 9.Qe1 Be7 10.Ne5 Nbd7 11.Qg3 [11.Nxg4 Nxg4 12.Bf4=] 11...Bh5 12.Bf4 Qb6
13.Bb3 [13.Nxd7 Nxd7 14.Qxg7+/=] 13...Bg6 [13...Qxd4!?] 14.Nc4 Nh5 15.Qe3 Qd8 16.Nd6+
Bxd6 17.Bxd6 Nf8 [17...Ndf6=] 18.Ba3 Nf6? [18...Qc7 19.d5+/=] 19.d5 Nxd5 20.Nxd5 cxd5
21.Rad1 Qb6 22.Bc5 [22.Ba4+!+-] 22...Qa6 23.Qg5 f6 24.Rxf6 0-0-0 25.Rf3 Nd7 26.Bg1 Be4
[26...Nf6=] 27.Re3 [27.Rc3+!+/-] 27...h6 [27...Nf6=] 28.Qg3 [28.Rc3+! Kb8 29.Qg3+!+-]
28...e5 [28...Nc5 29.Rc3+/=] 29.Bxd5 Bxd5 30.Rxd5 Qxa2 [30...Qe6 31.Ra5+-] 31.Rc3+ Kb8
32.Rb5 a6 [32...Qe6 33.Qf3+/=] 33.Rbb3 [33.Rxb7+! Kxb7 34.Qf3+!+-] 33...g5 34.Qf3 [White
has mate in four. 34.Qf2 b6 35.Rxb6+ Ka8 36.Rb8+ Nxb8 37.Qa7#] 34...b5 35.Qe3 1-0
Game 6 – Huber-Delle 4.Nxf3 Nf6
Armand Blackmar joined a club in New Orleans about the time local hero Paul Morphy retired
from chess as the unofficial world champion. Mr. Blackmar published music to support the
Confederacy. The American Civil War devastated their Southern lifestyle. Paul Morphy went
back to practicing law. Armand Blackmar moved on to enjoy chess and invent his gambit years
later. Guenther Huber-Delle from the Southern US state of Alabama draws Sigurl. Regina
Fridthjofsdottir in her home country of Iceland. Black kept the gambit pawn. The players reached
the middlegame with bishops of opposite colors. White attacked on the dark squares. Black
defended by threatening to swap queens or to repeat moves. The players agreed to a draw.
Huber-Delle - Fridthjofsdottir (1750), Reykjavik Open 2017 Reykjavik ISL (10.93),
27.04.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3 exf3 4.Nxf3 Nf6 5.Bc4 e6 6.0-0 Be7 7.c3 0-0 8.Qc2
c5 9.Nbd2 Nc6 10.dxc5 Bxc5+ 11.Kh1 Ng4 [11...h6!?] 12.Ne4 Be7 13.h3 [13.Bf4=] 13...Nge5
14.Neg5 g6 15.Be2 Nxf3 16.Nxf3 Qc7 17.Bh6 Rd8 18.Nd2 [18.Qe4=] 18...Nd4 19.Qe4 Nxe2
[19...Nf5 20.Rxf5 exf5-+] 20.Qxe2 f5 [20...e5-/+] 21.Nc4 [21.Nf3 Bf6=/+] 21...Bf6 [21...b5
22.Ne5 Bb7-/+] 22.Bf4 Qg7 23.Rad1 Rxd1 24.Rxd1 Bd7 25.Ne5 Bxe5 [25...Ba4=/+] 26.Bxe5
Qf7 27.Rd4 Re8 28.Qd2 Bc6 29.h4 Qe7 30.Qh6 Qf8 31.Qg5 1/2-1/2
Game 7 – Huber-Delle 5.Bc4 e6
Guenther Huber-Delle drew Karl Egill Steingrimsson of Iceland in the fifth round of the
Reykjavik Open in 2017. White had promising chances for a successful attack. When he
regained the gambit pawn on move 21, apparently the players agreed to a draw. I don’t know the
circumstances. Maybe these senior players were tired. White stood better at the end. One major
threat was Nxf7 smashing the Black kingside defense.
Huber-Delle - Steingrimsson (1664), Reykjavik Open 2017 ISL (5.99), 22.04.2017 begins 1.d4
d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3 exf3 4.Nxf3 Nf6 5.Bc4 e6 6.0-0 Be7 7.c3 0-0 8.Nbd2 Nbd7 9.Qc2 h6 10.Ne4
Nxe4 11.Qxe4 Nf6 12.Qe2 c5 13.Bd2 cxd4 14.cxd4 Bd7 15.Rae1 b5 16.Bb3 Re8 [16...Bc6-/+]
17.Ne5 a5 [17...Qb6 18.Qd3+/-] 18.Bc2 [18.Qd3+/-] 18...Rb8 [18...Rc8 19.Qd3 Rxc2
20.Qxc2+/=] 19.Qd3 Rc8 20.Bb1 g6 [20...Bc6 21.Bxh6+-] 21.Bxh6 1/2-1/2
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6
Game 8 – Reinhard 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5
The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit player follows the path of 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3, but
there are possible detours on the fourth move. White played a Von Popiel Attack 4.Bg5 at the
2017 Bosna Open in Sarajevo. Marcus Reinhard of Germany played White against Dragisa
Vujicic of Bosnia & Herzegovina. After nine moves the queens were exchanged. The players
castled on opposite sides, and White had the better pawn structure. I prefer White’s game, but for
some reason the final result was given as a Black win. The final position seems to be about
equal.
Reinhard (2168) - Vujicic (1914), 47th Bosna Open 2017 Sarajevo BIH (9.41), 19.05.2017
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 h6 [4...e6 is a French Defence. Other good Black
options are 4...Bf5 or 4...Nbd7.] 5.Bxf6 exf6 6.Nxe4 Qe7 7.Qe2 f5 8.Nc3 Qxe2+ 9.Ngxe2 Bb4
10.0-0-0 0-0 11.a3 Be7 12.g3 Nd7 13.Nd5 Bd8 14.Ne3 Nf6 15.Bg2 Rb8 16.d5 g6 17.Nd4 Ne4
18.Rhf1 Bd7 19.Nc4 Bf6 20.f3 Nd6 21.Nxd6 cxd6 22.Rfe1 Rfe8 23.c3 Ba4 24.Nc2 f4 25.gxf4
Bb3 26.Re4 Bh4 27.Bh1 Re7 28.Rb4 Bxc2 29.Kxc2 Re3 30.f5 g5 31.a4 g4 [31...Kg7=] 32.Rd3
[32.Rxg4+ Bg5 33.h4+-] 32...Re1 33.Bg2 b6 [33...gxf3 34.Rxf3+/=] 34.Rd2 [34.Rxg4+!+-]
34...Rbe8 [34...h5 35.Kd3+/=] 35.Rc4 0-1
Game 9 – Dalling 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bc4
Peter Dalling of Sweden played 4.Bc4 at the World Senior in 2016. White was outplayed by
International Master Anibal Gamboa Gonzalez. Black mounted a strong kingside attack. White
defended actively, but Black gradually gained a three pawn advantage. The unique thing about
this opening was the move order.
Dalling (1817) - Gamboa (2040) World Senior 65+ 2016 Marianske Lazne CZE (6.73),
24.11.2016 begins 1.Nc3 d5 2.e4 Nf6 3.d4 dxe4 4.Bc4 Nc6 5.Be3 Na5 6.Be2 g6 7.a3 [7.Qd2=]
7...Bg7 8.Qd2 b6 9.h4 h5 10.b4 [10.Nh3=] 10...Nb7 11.Nh3 Nd6 12.Ng5 Bb7 13.0-0 Qd7
14.Rfd1 0-0 15.Nh3 [15.Bf4 Qf5-/+] 15...Nf5 16.Bg5 [16.Bb5 c6-+] 16...Rad8 17.Be3 [17.Bb5
c6-+] 17...Nxh4 18.Rab1 [18.Qc1 Nf3+ 19.Kh1 Ng4-+] 18...Nf3+ 19.gxf3 Qxh3 20.f4 [20.Bf1
Qxf3-+] 20...Ng4 21.Bxg4 hxg4 [21...Qxg4+ 22.Kf1 Qh3+ 23.Kg1 e5-+] 22.Qe2 [22.Ne2 e5-+]
22...g3 23.fxg3 Qxg3+ 24.Kf1 Bf6 25.Qf2 Qh3+ 26.Ke2 Bc8 [26...c5-+] 27.Rh1 Qf3+ 28.Qxf3
exf3+ 29.Kf2 Bxd4 30.Nb5 Bxe3+ 31.Kxe3 Bb7 32.Rh4 [32.Nd4 Rd6-+] 32...Kg7 33.Nd4 Rh8
34.Rg4 [34.Rhh1 Rxh1 35.Rxh1 f2-+] 34...f2 35.c3 Rh3+ 36.Kxf2 Rxc3 37.f5 Rd3 0-1
Game 10 – Kandic 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bc4
FIDE Master Milan Kandic of Serbia beat Razvan Lapusan of France in the Gibraltar Masters
2017. The opening began as a Scandinavian Defence 1.e4 d5. White regained the gambit pawn
on move eight. Then White picked up the Black queen in exchange for a rook and a knight by
move 32. After that, it was a matter of technique for White to make progress until Black could no
longer defend.
Kandic (2061) - Lapusan (1525) Gibraltar Masters 2017 Caleta ENG (5.116), 28.01.2017
begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bc4 Bg4 5.Nge2 e6 6.0-0 Bd6 7.Bg5 0-0 8.Nxe4 Nbd7
9.Nxd6 cxd6 10.c3 Qc7 11.Bd3 a5 12.Qc2 a4 13.Ng3 e5 14.dxe5 dxe5 15.Bf5 [15.h3+/=]
15...a3 16.b3 Ra5 17.Bxg4 Nxg4 18.h3 Ngf6 19.c4 Ra6 20.Rac1 Rc8 21.Rfd1 h6 22.Be3 Rc6
23.Nf5 Nc5 [23...Nf8 24.c5+/-] 24.Qe2 [24.b4+-] 24...Ne8 25.Qg4 Kh7 26.Rd5 Ne6 27.Qh4
Nf4 28.Bxf4 exf4 29.Ne7 g5 [29...Nf6 30.Nxc6+-] 30.Rxg5 Qxe7 31.Rg7+ Kxg7 32.Qxe7 Nd6
33.Qe5+ f6 34.Qxf4 Nf7 35.Rc3 Rc5 36.Qg4+ Kf8 37.Rf3 R8c6 38.Qd4 Kg7 39.Rxf6 Rxf6
40.Qxc5 Ra6 41.Qc7 Rd6 42.Qxb7 Rd2 43.Qa7 Rxa2 44.c5 Ra1+ 45.Kh2 a2 46.c6 Kf8
[46...Rc1 47.Qxa2+-] 47.c7 Rc1 48.Qxa2 [48.Qa3+ Nd6 49.Qxc1+-] 48...Rxc7 49.b4 Ke7 50.b5
Kd8 51.b6 [If 51...Rb7 52.Qa8+ wins] 1-0
4.f3 exf3 5.Qxf3
Game 11 – Madsen 5.Qf3 c6
Dennis Madsen of Denmark played a Ryder Gambit 5.Qxf3 against Freja Svane of Germany.
White got a good position with reasonable kingside chances. The key moment in the game was
move 15. White could have broken off the attack and simply won the Black queen. Freja Svane
survived as Black and queens were swapped on move 30. Then she won four pawns in a rook
ending while White ran out of threats.
Madsen (1671) - Svane (1451), Xtracon Chess Open 2017 Helsingor DEN (7.184), 27.07.2017
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Qxf3 c6 6.Be3 Bg4 7.Qf2 e6 8.Bd3 Nbd7 9.Nf3
Bb4 10.0-0 0-0 11.Bg5 [11.Ne5 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Nd5 13.Nxd5 Qxd5 14.Qh4=] 11...Qa5
[11...Bxf3=/+] 12.Qh4 Bf5 13.Bxf5 Qxf5? [13...exf5-/+] 14.Ne5! Qxc2 15.Nxd7? [15.Rf2!+-
wins the Black queen.] 15...Nxd7 16.Ne4 [16.Rf2 Qg6-/+] 16...h6 [16...f5-+] 17.Be3 [17.Bxh6
gxh6 18.a3 Ba5=/+] 17...Qe2 [17...f5-+] 18.Rf3 [18.Bxh6!?] 18...f5 19.Ng3 [19.Qf2 Qxf2+
20.Nxf2 e5-+] 19...Qxb2 20.Raf1 Bd2 21.Bxd2 Qxd2 22.Nh5 Nf6 23.Nxf6+ Rxf6 24.Rg3 Raf8
25.Rb3 R8f7 26.Rfb1 b6 27.h3 [Or 27.R3b2 Qd3-+] 27...Rd7 28.d5 Qxd5 29.Rg3 Qd4+
30.Qxd4 Rxd4 31.Ra3 Rf7 32.Re1 Rd6 33.Re5 g5 0-1
Game 12 – Hofmann 5.Qxf3 c6
Marko Hofmann of Germany won a Ryder Gambit against the young and improving Robin
Gallasch. Black chose a fianchetto in the style of a Gruenfeld or BDG Bogoljubow. Since White
had already played 5.Qxf3 the move 8.0-0-0 was fast and effective. White sacrificed the
Exchange on move 27 to attack weak points all over the kingside. White’s move 34.Nc5 left his
queen hanging due to the 35.Bxg6 mate threat.
Hofmann (1837) - Gallasch (1562) ch-GER Youth U25 2017 Willingen GER (4.38),
06.06.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Qxf3 c6 6.Be3 g6 7.h3 Bg7 8.0-0-0
Nd5 9.Bc4 Be6 10.Ne4 0-0 11.Nc5 Qc8 12.Ne2 b6 13.Nxe6 Qxe6 14.Rd3 Qd7 15.Rf1 e6 16.h4
b5 17.Bb3 a5 18.c3 Na6 19.h5 Nac7 20.Bd2 f5 21.Qh3 Nf6 22.hxg6 hxg6 23.Nf4 Qf7 [23...a4
24.Bc2+/=] 24.Rg3 Ng4 25.Rh1 Qf6 26.Nd3 Kf7 27.Rxg4 fxg4 28.Qxg4 Qf5 [28...Rh8
29.Ne5+ Ke8 30.Re1+/=] 29.Qe2 Ke7 30.Bc2 Rh8 [30...Qf7 31.Qg4+-] 31.Rf1 Qh5 32.g4 Qh2
[32...Qh7 33.Nf4+-] 33.Bg5+ Ke8 34.Nc5 1-0
Game 13 – Le Duigou 5.Qxf3 c6
Goulven Le Duigou of France played a Ryder Gambit against Douglas McKerracher of Scotland.
Here Black chose a solid pawn structure and piece arrangement similar to a Scandinavian
Defence. White obtained reasonable compensation for the gambit pawn. Black defended all key
points. McKerracher methodically forced the exchange of all the heavy material. The pawn
ending was quite hopeless for White.
Le Duigou (1916) - McKerracher (1930), 124th ch-SCO Open 2017 Dundee SCO (7.17),
21.07.2017 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Qxf3 c6 6.Be3 e6 7.0-0-0 Qa5
8.Bc4 Nd5 9.Nge2 [9.Bd2!?=] 9...Nd7 10.Rhf1 N7f6 11.Bd2 Qc7 12.g4 Bb4 13.g5 Nxc3
14.gxf6 Nxe2+ 15.Qxe2 Bxd2+ 16.Rxd2 [16.Qxd2!?=] 16...g6 17.d5 cxd5 18.Rxd5 Bd7
19.Re5 [19.b4!?=] 19...0-0-0 20.Rf3 Kb8 21.Ra3 Bc8 22.Rea5 Qf4+ 23.Qe3 Qxe3+ 24.Rxe3
Rd4 25.Be2 Rhd8 26.Rc5 b6 27.Rcc3 Ba6 28.Bd3 Bxd3 29.Rcxd3 Rxd3 30.cxd3 Rd5 31.Rf3
Rf5 32.Rxf5 [32.Rh3 h5-+] 32...exf5 33.Kd2 Kc7 34.Ke3 Kd6 35.Kf4 Ke6 36.d4 Kxf6 37.h4
h6 0-1
Game 14 – Normand 5.Qxf3 e6
The Ryder Gambit 5.Qxf3 is a risk in the same way double teaming a player in sports would be.
White's offensive threats are so dangerous that Black may not bother when the d4 is left
unprotected. If Black has plenty of time, if he never gets nervous, if he always defends perfectly,
then White could be in trouble. Real chess is not like that. Players will miss things when they
face big threats, especially in blitz play. Nicolas Normand of France wins with the Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit Ryder. He finds a mating attack in a similar fashion as seen in the BDG Euwe
Variation. Normand rips open Black's kingside. White finds a forced checkmate. At the end,
Black has only two pieces remaining and those pieces never moved. Nicolas sent this comment:
"I succeeded in winning a 1950-Elo player of my club on the board in a 5mn blitz with the same
position and 10.Bxh6 sacrifice."
Normand - NN, Lichess (5mn + 5s), 20.01.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3
5.Qxf3 e6 6.Bd3 Be7 [6...h6 would transpose to another game Nicolas played that went 7.Nge2
Bd6 8.0-0 a6 9.Ne4 Be7 10.c3 Nbd7 11.N2g3 (11.Bc2+/=) 11...e5? (11...0-0 12.Nxf6+ Nxf6
13.Bxh6 gxh6 14.Qf4=) 12.Nh5 0-0 13.Bxh6 Nxh5 14.Qxh5 Nf6 15.Nxf6+ Bxf6 16.Bxg7 Bxg7
17.Qh7# 1-0 Normand - ramafi52, 2016] 7.Nge2 0-0 8.0-0 Nc6 9.Qh3 h6 10.Bxh6 gxh6?
[Critical is 10...e5 11.Qh4 Ng4 12.Bg5 g6 when White has 13.Ne4+/-] 11.Qxh6 Re8 12.Rf3
[12.Rxf6!+-] 12...Ne4 13.Nxe4 Ne5 14.Rg3+ Ng6 15.Rxg6+ fxg6 16.Qxg6+ Kf8 17.Rf1+ Bf6
18.Rxf6+ Qxf6 19.Qxf6+ Kg8 20.Ng5 Re7 21.Qxe7 1-0
Game 15 – Haley Wins 5.Qxf3 Qxd4
Fred Haley sent me a link to the following Live Chess game played on Chess.com. His higher
rated opponent “nisapradila” was listed as being from Indonesia. Their contest was in the
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Most players prefer to recapture with the knight after 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 with 5.Nxf3. Dr. Ryder played 5.Qxf3 which offered a second gambit
pawn on d4. E.J. Diemer played both moves. The tricky part of the BDG Ryder Gambit was
revealed when Black played as below with 5…Qxd4 6.Be3 Qb4 attacking b2. White castled 7.0-
0-0. The tempting blunder 7…Bg4? left Black in deep trouble as Fred Haley demonstrated.
Haley (1864) - nisapradila (2313), Chess.com, 06.12.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6
4.f3 exf3 5.Qxf3 Qxd4 6.Be3 Qb4 [The recommended move is 6...Qg4!] 7.0-0-0 Bg4? [7...c6
8.Qg3 =; 7...e6 8.Nb5 =; 7...a6 8.Qg3 =; 7...Nc6 8.Nb5 =] 8.Nb5 Nbd7 [8...Na6 9.Qxb7 Qe4
(9...Bxd1 10.Qxa8+ Kd7 11.Nxa7 Be2 12.Qc8+ Kd6 13.Bd2+-) 10.Qxa6 Qxe3+ 11.Kb1 Qc5
12.Qb7 Bxd1 13.Qxa8+ Kd7 14.Nc3+-; 8...e5 9.Nxc7+ Ke7 10.Qxb7 Qxb7 11.Bc5#] 9.Qxb7
Qe4 10.Qxa8+ [10.Qxe4! Nxe4 11.Rd4+-] 10...Qxa8 11.Nxc7+ Kd8 12.Nxa8 Bxd1 13.Kxd1
Kc8 14.g3 e5 15.Bg2 e4 16.Bf4 h6 [16...Kb7 17.Nh3 Kxa8 18.Ng5 Kb7 19.Nxf7+-] 17.h4 Kb7
18.Nc7 a6 19.c4 Bc5 20.Nd5 Ng4 21.Nh3 f5 22.Kc2 Bd4 [22...Nb6 23.Nxb6 Kxb6 24.Rd1+-]
23.Rd1 Bc5 24.b4 Ba7 25.a4 [Or 25.Ne7 Ndf6 26.Nxf5+-] 25...Rc8 [25...Re8 26.c5 Nde5
27.Bf1+-] 26.Kb3 g6 [26...Re8 27.Ne3 Nxe3 28.Rxd7+ Kc8 29.Rc7+ Kd8 30.Rxa7+-] 27.Ne7
Nb6 [27...Rd8 28.Rd6 Ne3 29.Bxe3 Bxe3 30.Nd5+-] 28.Nxc8 Nxc8 29.c5 Kc6 30.Kc4 Ne7
31.b5+ axb5+ 32.axb5+ Kb7 33.Rd7+ 1-0
Game 16 – Madsen 6.Be3 Qe5
Dennis Madsen of Denmark met Roger Satre of Norway in a Blackmar-Diemer Ryder Gambit.
Black took the second gambit pawn after 5.Qxf3 Qxd4. Both sides had chances for an advantage.
White regained the gambit pawns and had the better position after 22 moves. But then, White fell
for a mating combination when Satre offered a knight with check.
Madsen (1671) - Satre (1832), Xtracon Chess Open 2017 Helsingor DEN (9.162), 29.07.2017
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Qxf3 Qxd4 6.Be3 Qe5 7.h3 [7.0-0-0!?] 7...c6
8.0-0-0 Nbd7 9.Bc4 e6 10.Nge2 Nd5 [10...Qf5=/+] 11.Nxd5 [11.Bxd5!=] 11...cxd5 12.Bd3 Qf6
13.Qg3 Nc5 14.Bb5+ Bd7 15.Bxd7+ Kxd7 [15...Nxd7 16.Bd4 Qh6+ 17.Kb1 Rc8=/+] 16.Nc3
[16.Rhf1 Qg6 17.Qxg6=] 16...Bd6 17.Qg4 Kc6 [17...Qg6=/+] 18.Rhf1 Qg6 19.Qd4 b6 20.Nxd5
Kb7 [20...Rhd8=] 21.Nxb6 axb6 22.Qxd6 Rac8 23.b4? [White misses the checkmate. Correct is
23.Kb1+/=] 23...Nb3+ 24.Kb2 Qxc2+ 0-1
5.Nxf3 Bg4
Game 17 – Gultekin 6.Bb5+
Celal Gultekin of Turkey tried a quick check against Deniz Seyhanoglu in a Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit Teichmann. This popular variation of the BDG begins 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4. Usually
White plays 6.h3 or 6.Bc4. White interjected 6.Bb5+ c6 before retreating the bishop to 7.Bc4.
Black carefully exchanged as many pieces as possible. Black guided his f-pawn forward until
White surrendered.
Gultekin (1614) - Seyhanoglu (2033), Kartal Open 2015 Istanbul TUR (8.9), 27.06.2015 begins
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bb5+ c6 7.Bc4 e6[7...Bxf3 8.gxf3 e6=/+]
8.Bg5 Be7 9.Qd3 Bxf3 10.gxf3 Nd5 11.Bxe7 Qxe7[11...Nxe7 12.0-0-0 b5=/+] 12.0-0-0 Nxc3
13.Qxc3 Nd7 14.d5 cxd5 15.Qxg7 [15.Bxd5 Qg5+ 16.Kb1 exd5 17.Qc7=] 15...Qf6 16.Qxf6
Nxf6 17.Bd3 Rg8 18.Rhg1 Ke7 19.Kd2 h6 20.Ke3 Rxg1 21.Rxg1 Rg8 22.Rxg8 Nxg8 23.c4
dxc4 24.Bxc4 Kd6 25.f4 Ne7 26.Kf3 f5 27.Bb5 e5 28.fxe5+ Kxe5 29.Bd7 Nd5 30.Bc8 b6
31.Bb7 [31.Ba6 Nb4=/+] 31...a5 [31...Nb4 32.a3 Nd3-+] 32.a3 Nf6 33.Bc6 Ng4 34.h3 Nf6
35.b4 [35.Bb5 Ne4=/+] 35...axb4 36.axb4 Nd5 37.b5 Nf4 38.Kg3 Ne2+ 39.Kf2 Nd4 40.Be8 f4
41.Bd7 Kd6 42.Be8 Ke6 43.h4 [43.Kg2 Kf5-/+] 43...Kd6 44.Kg2 Ke5 45.Kf2 Nf5 46.Kf3
Nxh4+ 47.Kg4 Nf5 48.Bd7 Nd4 49.Kh5 f3 50.Kxh6 Nf5+ 0-1
Game 18 – Vigh vs Grimm 6.Be2
Imre Vigh transposed from a Blackmar Gambit to a BDG after 6.Nc3 in this game against
Gyorgy Grimm played in Hungary in 2015. This game opened like a BDG Teichmann 5.Nxf3
Bg4 line with 6.Be2. White’s problem was twofold. First, his light squared bishop did not make
significant threats against the Black defense. Second, White’s opponent was rated 500 points
above him and played an excellent game. White sacrificed the Exchange on move 36, but to no
avail. Black had a winning endgame with the extra gambit pawn protected and passed on d4.
Vigh (1623) - Grimm (2132), TCh-HUN 2014-15 Hungary (7.1), 01.03.2015 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.f3 exf3 4.Nxf3 Bg4 5.Be2 Nf6 6.Nc3 e6 7.Bg5 Be7 8.Qd3 c6 9.0-0-0 Nbd7 10.Qe3
Bxf3 11.Qxf3 Qc7 [11...0-0=/+] 12.Rhf1 h6 13.Bf4 [13.Bh4!?] 13...Bd6 14.Bxd6 Qxd6 15.Ne4
Nxe4 16.Qxe4 Nf6 [16...0-0!?] 17.Qh4 0-0-0 18.Qg3 [18.Kb1 Kb8=/+] 18...Qxg3 19.hxg3 Rd7
20.Bf3 Ne8 21.c3 Nd6 22.g4 Ne8 23.g3 Nf6 24.Rfe1 Nh7 25.Rh1 Kc7 26.Rde1 Ng5 27.Bg2
Re8 28.Kc2 Red8 29.Kb1 [29.b4 f6-/+] 29...c5 30.d5 exd5 31.Re5 f6 32.Rf5 b6 33.Re1 d4
34.c4 Nf7 35.b3 Ne5 36.Rfxe5 [36.Rff1 Re8-+] 36...fxe5 37.Rxe5 Rf8 38.Re2 38...Kd6 39.Kc2
Re7 40.Kd3 Rxe2 41.Kxe2 Re8+ 0-1
Game 19 – Hartelt 6.Be3 e6 7.Be2
Rob Hartelt found a rook sacrifice to finish off this wild game. Hartelt won a Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit online against “Professor5000”. Rob asked me “What do you think, Tim Sawyer?” I
replied, “Black was no match for White's sacrificial ways.” As mentioned in the previous game,
Be2 is not as fully effective in the Teichmann as are Bc4, Bd3, or in some cases Bg2. Best is
6.h3! Hartelt relocated the bishop with 12.Bc4. The White attack was premature against a good
defense, but Black missed his chances, especially on move 21. This game reminds me of a quote
attributed to Mikhail Tal: “Some sacrifices are sound. The rest are mine.”
Hartelt (1440) - Professor5000 (1370), Let's Play! Chess.com, 18.05.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.f3 Nf6 4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Be3 e6 7.Be2 [7.h3] 7...Bb4 8.0-0 Bxc3 9.bxc3 h6
10.Ne5 Bf5 11.Rxf5!? [11.Bf3+/=] 11...exf5 12.Bc4 Nd5 13.Qh5 0-0 14.Bd2 [14.Qxf5+/=]
14...c6 [14...Nc6=/+] 15.Bxh6?! [15.Bd3=] 15...Qf6 [15...gxh6! 16.Qxh6 Qf6-/+] 16.Bg5 Qe6
17.Bd2 [17.Rf1 Nd7 18.Nxd7 Qxd7 19.Rf3=] 17...f6 [17...Nd7 18.Nxd7 Qxd7=/+] 18.Nd3
[18.Ng6!+-] 18...Nd7 [18...Qf7 19.Qxf5+/=] 19.Re1 [19.Nf4+-] 19...Qd6 [19...Qf7 20.Qxf5=]
20.Bf4 Qa3 21.Re7? [21.Bb3+/-] 21...N7b6 [If Black had noticed 21...Qxe7!-+ White's attack
would be crushed.] 22.Rxg7+ Kxg7 23.Bh6+ Kg8 24.Qg6+ Kh8 25.Qg7# 1-0
Game 20 – Saeed 6.Bd3 e6
International Master Nasser A. Saeed of the United Arab Emirates plays as “Ashkeef” according
to his notes on the Internet Chess Club. Nasser Saeed plays many openings including the
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Note that in my BDG Games books 1 and 2, I referred to him by his
handle of “Ashkeef”. Saeed defeated IM Santiago Beltran Rueda of Spain in a Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit. This was a blitz game. Saeed placed his focus on fast development with the move 6.Bd3
instead of the normal continuation 6.h3. White attacked h7 with his bishop, queen, and knight.
Black defended h7 with both his knights until White came crashing through for the victory.
Saeed (2105) - Beltran Rueda (2172), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 21.08.2017 begins 1.d4 d5
2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bd3 e6 [6...Nc6!?=/+] 7.0-0 c5 8.dxc5 Bxc5+
9.Kh1 0-0 10.Qe1 [10.Bg5!?] 10...Bh5 11.Qh4 Bg6 12.Bxg6 hxg6 13.Ng5 Re8 14.Nce4 Nbd7
15.Bd2 Be7 [15...Nh5 16.Rxf7+-] 16.Bc3 [16.Nxf6+ Nxf6 17.Rxf6 Bxf6 18.Qh7+ Kf8 19.Bb4+
Qd6 20.Bxd6+ Be7 21.Qh8#] 16...Nf8 [16...Nh5 17.Rxf7 Bxg5 18.Nxg5+-] 17.Rad1 Nd5
[17...Qxd1 18.Nxf6+ Bxf6 19.Rxd1 Bxc3 20.bxc3+-] 18.Rxf7 Nxc3 19.Rxf8+ Black resigns 1-0
Game 21 – Diemer 7.0-0 Be7
Emil Josef Diemer won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Teichmann by transposition against Jorge
Cuadras Avellana in the Strasbourg Open. Diemer was in his late 60s in this game. He still
played attacking chess at the end of his career. This may have been one of Diemer’s final
tournaments. The game was published in Tom Purser's blog on Sunday, October 5, 2008. I also
found it in an article by Michael Negele (Excerpts published in KARL 1/2007, pages 28 to 36).
Black looked like he had everything under control, but White just kept advancing. I am amazed
that Diemer got three pawns to the sixth rank when Black resigned.
Diemer - Cuadras Avellana, Strasbourg Open, 03.1975 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4
4.fxe4 [4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bd3 e6 7.0-0 Be7 reaches the game position in one less move.]
4...Nxe4 5.Bd3 Nf6 6.Nf3 Bg4 7.0-0 e6 8.Nc3 Be7 9.Kh1 0-0 10.Be3 Nbd7 11.Qe1 Nd5
[11...Bh5 12.Qh4 c5=/+] 12.Nxd5 exd5 13.Qg3 Nf6 14.Qh4 [14.Bf4 Bxf3 15.Qxf3=] 14...Bxf3
15.gxf3 Re8 16.Bg5 g6 [16...Kf8 17.Bh6 Kg8 18.Rae1=] 17.Rae1 Kg7 18.Qh6+ Kh8 19.f4
[19.Rxe7 Qxe7 20.Qh4=] 19...Ng8 20.Qh4 f5 21.Re5 Bxg5 22.fxg5 Rxe5 23.dxe5 Ne7 24.Qg3
Qg8 [24...d4-/+] 25.e6 Rc8 26.h4 Qg7 27.c3 d4 28.c4 [28.Bc4!?] 28...Nc6 29.Re1 Re8 30.h5
Re7 31.b4 [31.c5=] 31...Nxb4 32.h6 Qf8 33.Qe5+ Kg8 34.Qxd4 Nc6 [34...Qe8-/+] 35.Qf6 Qd8
[35...b6 36.c5=] 36.Bxf5 gxf5 [36...Qd4 37.Rf1+-] 37.g6 Qd4 38.Qf7+ 1-0
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4
Game 22 – Crompton Quick Mate
John Crompton remained true to his online handle “JECmate” when he found a mate on move
eight in a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. White won quickly when “jessjacksonbrown” as Black
forgot to protect f7, the most vulnerable square on the board. White’s sixth move 6.Bc4 is the
best alternative to 6.h3! Black almost always plays 6.Bc4 e6. This time Black blundered with
6...c6. Crompton took aim at the exposed f7 square and found a checkmate.
Crompton (1488) - jessjacksonbrown (1496), Live Chess Chess.com, 11.06.2017 begins 1.d4
d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4!? [6.h3!=] 6...c6? [For the better choice
6...e6=/+ see next game. Another option allows White to regain the gambit pawn after 6...g6?
7.Bxf7+ Kxf7 8.Ne5+ Ke8 9.Nxg4 Bg7 10.Be3+/-] 7.Ne5 [Also 7.Bxf7+! Kxf7 8.Ne5+ Kg8
9.Nxg4 Nbd7 10.0-0+/-] 7...Bxd1? [Black has to play 7...Be6 8.Bxe6 fxe6 9.0-0+/-] 8.Bxf7# 1-0
Game 23 – Martinez de Negri 7.h3
I discovered two things. First, the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit wins a slightly higher percentage as
White than most openings. Second, most players rated over 2400 win a higher percentage as
Black than most players rated under 2400 do as White. At the Liga Nacional Superior Villa
Martelli in Argentina Gonzalo Martinez de Negri lost a BDG Teichmann to GM Sergio Slipak.
White played well at the beginning, but then Grandmaster Slipak won a long rook endgame.
Gonzalo Martinez de Negri is a consistent 1.e4 player as White. In 2013 he defeated Mayorga
(rated 2312) in the Scandinavian Defence after 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 and 1-0 in 54. Earlier in 2016,
Slipak won a Scandinavian Defence as Black against Benedetti (2290). Maybe Martinez de
Negri wanted to avoid a similar fate when he played 1.e4 d5 2.d4!? They reached the BDG
Teichmann 5...Bg4. Martinez de Negri chose 6.Bc4!?
Martinez de Negri (2192) - Slipak (2455), Liga Nacional Superior Villa Martelli ARG (5.3),
22.10.2016 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4 [6.h3] 6...e6 7.h3
Bxf3 [7...Bh5] 8.Qxf3 c6 9.Be3 Nbd7 10.0-0 Nb6 11.Bd3 Be7 12.Ne4 Nbd5 13.Bg5
[13.Nxf6+!? Bxf6 14.Bf2 Nb4 15.Be4 0-0 16.c3=] 13...Nb4 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Nxf6+ Bxf6
16.Qxf6 Qxf6 17.Rxf6 Nxd3 18.cxd3 Rd8 19.Raf1 Rd7 20.R1f4 Rg8 21.Rh6 [21.Kf2 Rg6
22.Rxg6 hxg6 23.Ke3=] 21...Rg7 22.Rfh4?! [22.g4=] 22...Rg3 23.Rxh7 Rxd3 24.Rh8+ Ke7
25.Rb8 Rd2 26.b3 Rxa2 27.Rf4 Rd2 [27...Rb2-/+] 28.h4 b6 29.Rf3 R2xd4 30.Rh3 Rd8
31.Rb7+ R4d7 32.Rxd7+ Rxd7 33.h5 Kf6 34.g4 Kg5 35.h6 Rd8 36.Rf3 f6 37.Re3 e5 38.Rf3
Rh8 39.Kg2 Rxh6 40.Kg3 Rh1 0-1
Game 24 – Ray Haines 7.0-0 Bb4
Ray Haines transposed into the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit from the Scandinavian Defence
against “AlexAlexeev”. King pawn 1.e4 players are more likely to play 6.Bc4 against the
Teichmann. Queen pawn 1.d4 players are likely to prefer 6.h3. White attempted a kingside
attack. Black left a piece hanging on move 15 but picked off several pawns. Finally, White found
an angle to the kingside from the queenside.
Haines (1445) - AlexAlexeev (1417), Live Chess Chess.com, 07.08.2017 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4 [6.h3=] 6...e6 7.0-0 Bb4 8.Be3 Bxc3 9.bxc3 0-0
10.Bg5 Nbd7 11.Qe1 c6 12.Bd3 Qc7 13.h3 Bh5 14.Ne5 Qb6 15.Kh1 Nd5? [15...Qa5=]
16.Nxd7 Qa5 17.Nxf8 Rxf8 18.g4 Bg6 19.Qh4 [19.c4! Qxe1 20.Raxe1 Bxd3 21.cxd3+-]
19...Nxc3 20.Bxg6 Qd5+ 21.Kh2 hxg6 22.Be7 Re8 23.Bc5 b6 24.Ba3 Qxd4 25.Qf2 Qe5+
26.Kh1 f6 27.Rae1 Qd5+ 28.Kh2 Ne4 29.Qf3 Qe5+? [29...Nd2! 30.Qc3=] 30.Kh1 Ng3+
[30...f5 31.Bc1+-] 31.Kg1 Qd4+ 32.Kg2 [32.Rf2+-] 32...Nxf1 33.Rxf1 Qd2+ 34.Rf2 Qa5
35.Bd6 Kf7 36.Bg3 Qxa2 37.Rd2 Qa5 38.Rd7+ Kg8 39.Bh4 Rf8 40.Bf2 Qb5 41.Rxa7 c5?
[41...Rf7 42.Ra3+/-] 42.Qb7 Qe8 43.Qxg7# 1-0
Game 25 – Crompton Surprise 7…Bd6
John Crompton sent me a link to a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit game that he won in a 2010
tournament. The late Tom Purser analyzed this game at the time in his blog. Crompton told me
that this "was the first time I played in a tournament in a long time." John added, "Tim, I must
say that that game caught some there at the tournament by surprise." Yes John, the BDG does
that. When a player plays a bold gambit in a live tournament, people expect someone to go down
in flames and quickly. They flock in anticipation to watch them burn. I decided to annotate this
game with fresh eyes. Tom Purser noted that Crompton played "the Blackmar-Diemer, against an
opponent who had recently won the state senior's championship." That was former USCF Expert
Charles Reeve.
Crompton (1667) - Reeve (1952), Aiken 15 Quick Chess, 17.04.2010 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4!? e6 [Black protects f7.] 7.0-0 [7.Be3!?] 7...Bd6!?
[Black should increase his defense of either d5 or f6 by 7...c6 8.h3 Bxf3 9.Rxf3 Nbd7 10.Be3
Bd6 11.Qd3 with some compensation for the pawn; 7...Be7 8.d5 exd5 9.Nxd5 0-0 10.Nxf6+
Bxf6 11.Qxd8 Rxd8 12.Bxf7+ Kxf7 13.Ne5+ Kg8 14.Nxg4 Bd4+ 15.Be3 Bxb2 16.Rab1 Bd4
17.Rxb7=] 8.Bg5 Nbd7 [After 8...0-0 White can continue as in the game with 9.Qe1 Bxf3
10.Rxf3 when the move 10...Bxh2+ gives White the better game after 11.Kh1! (If 11.Kxh2 Ng4+
12.Kg1 Qxg5 13.Bxe6=) 11...Nbd7 12.Ne4 Bd6 13.Bxf6 Nxf6 14.Nxf6+ gxf6 15.Qh4+-] 9.Qe1
Bxf3 10.Rxf3 0-0 11.Qh4 h5? [11...Be7 12.Bd3+/-] 12.Bd3 g6 [12...Bb4 13.Ne4+-] 13.Raf1
[13.Ne4+-] 13...Be7 14.Rxf6 Nxf6 15.Rxf6 Bxf6 [15...c5 16.Nb5+/-] 16.Bxf6 Qe8 17.Qg5 Kh7
18.Qxh5+ 1-0
Game 26 – Akhrass 7.0-0 c6 8.Bg5
Roland Akhrass played the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit against International Master Amro El
Jawich of Lebanon. White started boldly with 6.Bc4 and 8.Bg5 before retreating with 12.Bd3
and 13.Be3. Black counter attacked. White went down a pawn on each side of the board. Black
successfully played to win more material rather than head for an endgame.
Akhrass (1999) - El Jawich (2243), TCh-LIB InterClubs 2016 Beirut LIB (9.4), 31.07.2016
begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4 e6 7.0-0 c6 8.Bg5 Nbd7 9.Qd2
[9.Bf4!?] 9...Qc7 10.h3 Bxf3 11.Rxf3 0-0-0 12.Bd3 h6 13.Be3 Nb6 14.Ne2 [14.a4!?] 14...c5
15.c4 e5 16.dxe5 Nxc4 17.Bf5+ [17.Bxc4 Rxd2 18.Bxd2 Qxe5-+] 17...Kb8 18.Qc3 [18.Qc2
Nxe3 19.Rxe3 Nd5-+] 18...Nxe5 19.Qxe5 Qxe5 20.Bf4 Bd6 21.Bxe5 Bxe5 22.Nc3 Rhe8
[22...Rd2-+] 23.Rd1 Rxd1+ 24.Nxd1 Bd4+ 25.Kf1 h5 26.g4 hxg4 27.hxg4 g6 28.Bd3 Nxg4
29.Rxf7 Ne5 30.Bb5 Rh8 31.Rf4 a6 [31...g5-+] 32.Be2 Rh1+ 33.Kg2 Rg1+ 34.Kh3 g5 35.Re4
Ng6 36.Kh2 Re1 37.Bf3 [37.Kg3 Ne5-+] 37...Be5+ 38.Kh3 Rg1 39.b3 Rg3+ 0-1
Game 27 – Crompton 8.Bg5
John Crompton won another fast Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. His games are typical examples of
club play. This opponent was “SergiyE2E4”. White took aim at f7 and h7. Black covered both
squares. Then the players went about their business. Apparently, Black forgot about h7 with
move eleven. White’s twelfth move was a double attack on e7 and h7. Black defended the wrong
square and fell to another JECmate.
Crompton (1700) - SergiyE2E4 (1803), Live Chess Chess.com, 13.08.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4 e6 7.0-0 Nbd7 8.Bg5 [8.Be3] 8...Be7 9.Qe1
Bxf3 10.Rxf3 0-0 11.Bd3 Nd5? [11...c5 12.Qh4 Re8 13.Rh3+/-] 12.Qh4 Bxg5 [12...g6
13.Ne4+=] 13.Qxh7# 1-0
Game 28 – Crompton 7.0-0-0 Nbd7
John Crompton asked me, "Tim Sawyer, how or what do you do if on move 16 N7f6?" I agreed
that it would have been an improvement for “28AVEBURY” who played the Black pieces.
However, White had two earlier improvements of his own. On move 13 the captures on f6 would
give White a big advantage. Once that was missed, there was still 15.Rh3 later in the game. We
all miss stuff. What mattered most was that White did find a win. He sacrificed a rook to force a
mating attack with his queen and two bishops.
Crompton (1654) - 28AVEBURY (1690), Live Chess Chess.com, 05.08.2017 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.Bc4 e6 7.0-0 Nbd7 8.Qe1 Be7 9.Bg5 0-0 10.Bd3
c5 11.Qh4 Bxf3 12.Rxf3 cxd4 13.Ne2 [White gets a crushing advantage by eliminating the
defender of h7 with 13.Bxf6! Nxf6 14.Rxf6 when a possible continuation is 14...g6 15.Ne4 Bxf6
16.Nxf6+ Kg7 17.Rf1 h6 18.Qf4 Qa5 19.Ng4+-] 13...g6 14.Raf1 Nd5 15.Rxf7 [15.Rh3! h5
16.Rg3 Bxg5 17.Rxg5= The position is equal. Black must allow some type of perpetual check or
get checkmated.] 15...Rxf7 16.Rxf7 Kxf7 [16...N7f6! 17.Rxe7 Qxe7 18.Nxd4 Rf8-/+ and White
has only a little compensation for the Exchange.] 17.Qxh7+ Kf8 18.Bh6+ 1-0
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5
Game 29 – Konez 7.Bg5
Serkan Konez played Muammer Atakan Yarar in Turkey. The variation was a Teichmann
Retreat with 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5. White delayed the pawn push g2-g4 to develop both bishops
with 7.Bg5 and 8.Bd3. White bishops were exchanged by move 11. Without bishops, White’s
position was weaker. Black attacked the White king and forced a general swap of pieces. The
extra Black f-pawn was a deciding factor in the victory. The move 7.g4 seems better than 7.Bg5.
Konez (1517) - Yarar (1805) Turkish Cup 2017 Antalya TUR (4.88), 30.01.2017 begins 1.d4
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.Bg5!? [7.g4] 7...c6 8.Bd3 [8.Qd2 e6
9.0-0-0=] 8...e6 9.g4 Bg6 10.Bxg6 [10.Bxf6 gxf6=/+] 10...hxg6 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.Qd3 Bh6 13.h4
Bf4 14.Kf2 Qc7 15.Ne4 Nd7 16.Rh3 0-0-0 17.Qa3 Kb8 18.b4 [18.Re1 f5-+] 18...f5 19.gxf5
exf5 20.Nc5 Nf6 [20...Nxc5 21.bxc5 g5 22.Nxg5 Rxd4 23.Nf3 Re4-+] 21.Nd3 [21.Re1 Rhe8-+]
21...Ng4+ [21...g5-+] 22.Kg1 Be3+ 23.Kg2 Bxd4 24.Nxd4 Rxd4 25.Re1 Re4 26.Rxe4 fxe4
27.Nc5 Rd8 28.Nxe4 f5 [28...Rd4-+] 29.Qg3 Rd4 30.Qxc7+ Kxc7 31.Nc5 Rxb4 32.Ne6+ Kd6
33.Nf8 Ne5 34.h5 gxh5 35.Rxh5 f4 36.Kf1 [36.Kh3 Rb1-+] 36...Rb1+ 37.Ke2 f3+ 38.Kf2 Rb2
39.Ng6 Rxc2+ 40.Kf1 Nxg6 41.Rh6 Rg2 0-1
Game 30 – Puglia 7.g4 Bg6 8.Be3
Francesco Puglia drew a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit against Gauti Pall Jonsson at the Reykjavik
Open in 2017. White followed 7.g4 Bg6 with 8.Be3 instead of 8.Ne5. The players castled on
opposite sides. Black took control of the e-file and pressed the attack until he went wrong on
move 23. After that, White had the advantage on the board. Black had the advantage in rating. A
draw was agreed on move 31.
Puglia (1809) - Jonsson (2087), Reykjavik Open 2017 Reykjavik ISL (8.72), 25.04.2017 begins
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Be3 [8.Ne5!=] 8...e6
9.g5 Nd5 10.Nxd5 exd5 [10...Qxd5 11.Bg2 Be4 12.0-0 Nc6-/+] 11.Qd2 Bd6 12.0-0-0 0-0
13.Bd3 Bxd3 14.Qxd3 Nc6 15.h4 Nb4 16.Qb3 a5 17.a4 b5 18.c3 bxa4 19.Qxa4 Qe8 20.Qxe8
Rfxe8 21.Bf2 [21.Ne5!?] 21...Bf4+ 22.Kb1 Re2 23.Rhf1 Nc2? [23...Nc6=/+] 24.Ng1 Rae8
[24...Na3+ 25.bxa3 Rb8+ 26.Ka1 Rc2 27.Rb1+/-] 25.Nxe2 Rxe2 26.Bg1 Bg3 27.h5 [27.Rf5!+-]
27...Ne1 28.Ka2 c6 [28...g6 29.hxg6 hxg6 30.Kb3+/-] 29.Kb3 Bh4 30.Ka4 Ng2 31.g6 [It is
understandable that White might be happy to draw a higher rated player. However, White has
great winning chances after 31.Kxa5! Rxb2 32.Rb1 Ra2+ 33.Kb6 Bxg5 34.Rf2 Rxf2 35.Bxf2+-]
1/2-1/2
Game 31 – Sheldrick 8.Ne5 c6
Kevin Sheldrick sent this Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. I don't know if the kiddies got the Boden
lesson, but we get it here. Thanks! Kevin Sheldrick wrote: "Hi Tim! I had an interesting Boden's
Mate in a BDG today. Intriguingly, I had been preparing a lesson on Boden's Mate several hours
earlier in the day with the view to possibly show the kiddies in school chess classes some day.
Boden's Mate is characterized by the checkmate pattern of my game, played in an analogous
position by Samuel Boden (as black in that particular game) in Schuler-Boden, London, 1853. In
my game, black erred with 9...Be4? but I gave back the advantage with 12. Bc4? Black missed
the overloading retort 12...f6!, after which I became once again in the driver's seat. An equal
position resulted though after I missed Stockfish's strong 14.b3!, which would have intended
tactics like 14...f6 15.Ba3 fxe5 16.dxe5 or 14...Nxc4 15.Nxf7! Finally, when black blundered by
castling on move 17, I was about to play some nondescript move when I had this persistent
feeling that there was something vaguely familiar about the position, like I had maybe seen
something like it very recently..."
Sheldrick (1965) - NN (1988), 3 0 FICS, 21.05.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3
exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 c6 9.h4 Be4? [+- according to Stockfish - Scheerer
gives 9...e6 as best for black.] 10.Nxe4 Nxe4 11.Qf3 Nd6 12.Bc4? [12.Bd2!] 12...e6 [12...f6!-+]
13.0-0 [+-] 13...Qe7 14.Bd3 [14.b3!+-] 14...f6 15.Nc4 Nd7 16.Bf4 Nxc4 17.Bxc4 0-0-0?
18.Qxc6+! and black forfeited by disconnection (18...bxc6 19. Ba6 mate). 1-0
Game 32 – Peilen 8.Ne5 e6 9.Bg2
Mark A. Peilen won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Teichmann Retreat against Ziemak. Rabbi
Mark Peilen played the BDG for decades. I include five of his games in this book. White
followed 8.Ne5 e6 with 9.Bg2 which plays for a quick kingside attack. For the alternative way to
aim at b7, see 9.Qf3 next game. Here White sacrificed one rook on a1 and the other rook on h8
to win the Black queen and a knight.
Peilen – Ziemak, Parkway, 1979 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4
6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 e6 9.Bg2 c6 10.Bg5!? [10.h4] 10...Be7 11.h4 Nd5 [11...h6 12.Nxg6
fxg6 13.Be3=] 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.h5 [13.Qd2!?] 13...Ne3 [13...f6 14.hxg6 fxe5 15.dxe5 Nd7
16.gxh7 Nxc3 17.bxc3 0-0-0 18.Qe2 Qc5 19.0-0-0 Qxc3 20.Kb1=] 14.Qd2 Nxc2+ 15.Ke2
[15.Kd1!? Be4 16.Nxe4 Nxa1 17.h6+/=] 15...Nxa1 16.hxg6 0-0 17.Rxh7 Nd7 18.gxf7+ Rxf7
19.Rh8+ Kxh8 20.Ng6+ Kg8 21.Nxe7+ Rxe7 22.Qd1 1-0
Game 33 – Danieli 8.Ne5 e6 9.Qf3
Romantic chess combines beauty and sadness. We love it! This game was played in Verona,
Italy, the setting for Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”. White sacrificed a pawn to
demonstrate his passion for attack. White could win, but his lovely attack died. Enrico Danieli
played a BDG Huebsch in 2013 and a BDG Weinspach in 2015. Eugenio Garista chose the
popular 5...Bg4 line. White obtained good chances. I prefer 13.0-0 Qe7 14.Nxd5 cxd5
15.Rf2+/=. Maybe White hoped to castle queenside. He played 13.Rf1.
Danieli (2002) - Garista (2113), Verona Open 2017 Verona ITA (3.6), 03.01.2017 begins 1.d4
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 e6 9.Qf3 c6 10.g5 Nd5
11.Bd3 Nd7 12.Nxg6 hxg6 13.Rf1!? Qe7 14.Bd2 0-0-0 [14...Nxc3 15.Bxc3 0-0-0 16.Qxf7
Qxg5 17.Qxe6 Bb4 18.Qxg6 Bxc3+ 19.bxc3 Qxg6 20.Bxg6 Rxh3 21.0-0-0 Rxc3 22.Rf7=]
15.Qxf7 Rxh3?! [15...Nxc3 16.bxc3 Qxf7 17.Rxf7 Rxh3 18.0-0-0 Ba3+ 19.Kb1 Rdh8
20.Bxg6=] 16.Bxg6? [White has a promising attack after 16.0-0-0 Nxc3 17.Bxc3 Qxg5+ 18.Kb1
Qd5 19.Qxg6+/=] 16...Ne3 17.Bxe3 [17.Ne2 Qxf7 18.Rxf7 Rh1+ 19.Kf2 Ng4+ 20.Kg3 Rxa1
21.Kxg4 Rxa2-/+] 17...Rxe3+ 18.Kd2 [18.Kf2 Qxg5-+] 18...Qxg5 [Black also picks off a pawn
with 18...Ne5 19.Qxe7 Nc4+ 20.Kc1 Bxe7 21.Rg1 Rxd4-+] 19.Qf4 Qxf4 20.Rxf4 Rg3 21.Bd3
e5 22.Rf7 [22.Re4 exd4 23.Rxd4 Rg2+ 24.Ne2 Bc5-+ and White is down a pawn.] 22...exd4
23.Ne2 [White is down 2 pawns. He cannot change the outcome. 23.Ne4 Bb4+ 24.Ke2 Re3+
25.Kf2 Ne5 26.Rxg7 Nxd3+ 27.cxd3 Rxd3-+] 23...Bb4+ 24.Kd1 Re8 25.Rf1 Rge3 26.a3 Ba5
27.b4 Bb6 28.a4 a5 29.Rb1 Kc7 30.Rf7 R8e7 31.Rf5 axb4 32.a5 Bc5 33.Rb3 Ne5 34.Nf4
Nxd3 35.Nxd3 Bd6 36.Rb1 c5 0-1
Game 34 – Madsen Unusual 7.gxf3
Don't take anything for granted. Routine moves are not the only way to win with the Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit. When Black played the Teichmann 6.h3 Bxf3, White avoided the normal
7.Qxf3! and won after the unusual 7.gxf3. I am not sure why Dennis Madsen took with the pawn
against Joakim Aasen. Maybe White did not want to drop the d4 pawn, but that pawn in
poisoned at the moment. After 7.Qxf3 Qxd4? White takes on b7 with the queen. Either the Black
rook or the Black king will fall after a few harmless checks. In this Denmark game Madsen
worked up and interesting kingside attack and won quickly.
Madsen (1671) - Aasen (1386), Xtracon Chess Open 2017 Helsingor DEN (5.191), 25.07.2017
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.gxf3?! [7.Qxf3 Qxd4?
8.Qxb7+-] 7...e6 8.Bg5 [8.Be3] 8...Be7 9.Qd2 Nc6 10.0-0-0 a6 [10...Nd5=/+] 11.h4 [11.Rg1=]
11...h6 12.Be3 0-0? [12...Nd5=/+] 13.Bxh6! gxh6 14.Rg1+ [More accurate is 14.Qxh6!+-]
14...Kh8 [14...Kh7 15.Bd3+ Ne4 16.fxe4 e5 17.Nd5+-] 15.Qxh6+ Nh7 16.Qg7# 1-0
Game 35 – Leveller 7.Qxf3 c6
“Leveller” won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit against “Harmonicus” of Chile at the relatively slow
blitz game speed of 2 12 on the Internet Chess Club. As I recall, Purser liked to play ICC games
at that speed 20 years ago. “Leveller” sacrificed the d-pawn with 8.Bd3 Qxd4. White gained time
to castle with 9.Be3 and 10.0-0-0. The placement of 19.Bd6 kept the Black king in the center.
“Leveller” kept up the pressure. Black resigned in the face of mate in two.
Leveller (1458) - Harmonicus (1531), ICC 2 12 Internet Chess Club, 13.08.2017 begins 1.d4
Nf6 2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.Bd3 Qxd4 9.Be3 Qd7
[9...Qh4+ 10.g3 Qb4 11.0-0-0=] 10.0-0-0 Qc8 11.Rhe1 Nbd7 12.g4 Ne5 13.Qg3 Nxd3+
14.Rxd3 g6 [14...e6 15.Bd4=] 15.g5 Nh5 16.Qe5 Bg7 17.Qe4 e6 [17...0-0-/+] 18.Bc5 b6
[18...Qc7=] 19.Bd6 a5 [19...h6 20.gxh6 Bxh6+ 21.Kb1+/=] 20.Rf1 Ra7 21.Na4 Rb7 22.Rdf3
[22.Qf3+-] 22...Rf8 [22...Qd7 23.Rd1+/-] 23.Bxf8 [23.Rb3+-] 23...Bxf8 [23...Kxf8 24.Rd1+/-]
24.Qe3 [24.Nxb6 Rxb6 25.Rxf7+/-] 24...c5 [24...Ng7 25.Nxb6+/=] 25.Qd3 [25.Qf2+/-] 25...Qc6
26.Qa6 Rb8 [26...Rd7 27.b3+/=] 27.Rxf7 Ng3 [27...Nf4 28.R7xf4+-] 28.Rxf8+ Kd7 29.Qa7+
Rb7 30.R8f7+ Kc8 31.Qa8+ Black resigns 1-0
Game 36 – Ferreira 8.Qf2 Nbd7
Kleber Victor Ferreira won a game in Brazil against Allysson Ribeiro. White chose the 8.Qf2
line which I recommended in my Blackmar-Diemer Keybook II in 1999. Other times I had
recommended 8.Be3 or 8.g4. It’s nice to have three reasonable choices. The queen protects d4.
On f2 she is ready to play Qh4 and attack h7 if Black castles. In this game Black’s king stayed in
the center and became a target for White’s army.
Ferreira (2087) - Ribeiro (1839), Zonal 2.4 2017 Florianopolis BRA (3.29), 28.04.2017 begins
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.Qf2 Nbd7 [8...e6
9.Bd3=] 9.Be3 Qa5 10.Bd3 Nd5 11.Bd2 Nxc3 12.bxc3 e6 [12...f6 13.0-0 e5 14.Rab1+/=] 13.0-0
Nf6 14.Rab1 Qc7 [14...b6 15.c4+/=] 15.Bf4 Qd7 16.Be5 Ng8 17.d5 Nh6 18.dxc6 [18.dxe6 fxe6
19.Bxh7+-] 18...bxc6 19.Be4 f6 [19...f5 20.Rfd1+/-] 20.Rfd1 [20.Rbd1 fxe5 21.Rxd7 Kxd7
22.Rb1+-] 20...Qc8 21.Bg3 [21.Bxf6 gxf6 22.Qxf6+-] 21...Qa6 [21...Nf7 22.Qd4+/=] 22.Qd4
Kf7 23.Bd3 [23.Qd7+ Be7 24.Bd6+-] 23...Qa5 [23...Qc8 24.Rf1+/-] 24.Rb7+ Be7 25.Rxe7+
Kxe7 26.Qd6+ Kf7 27.Qd7+ Kg8 28.Qxe6+ Nf7 29.Bc4 Rf8 30.Rd7 h5 31.Rxf7 Rxf7
32.Qxf7+ 1-0
Game 37 – Luke Cage 8.g4 Qxd4
In Marvel's “Luke Cage” the character Bobby Fish mentioned that he mastered the Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit. When my wife showed me that scene, she said it was the only time she had ever
heard the words Blackmar-Diemer on TV or in a movie. The setting is episode 5 in season 1
when Bobby Fish (played by Ron Cephas Jones) stands over the White pieces pondering how to
begin. Bobby Fish tells Luke Cage (played by Mike Colter) that seating everyone at this funeral
“is going to be the toughest move I've mastered since the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.” Here Lev
Zilbermints triumphed against International Master Amrou Sobh of Egypt in an Internet Chess
Club three minute game. The complex BDG opening requires exact knowledge. Zilbermints has
mastered the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. It has given him many victories against titled players
because he has played is so often. Lev preferred 8.g4 against the Teichmann. Zilbermints
sacrificed a second pawn to speed up his attack and to slow down Black’s development.
Zilbermints (2122) - Sobh (2061), ICC 3 0 Internet Chess Club, 12.09.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.g4 Qxd4 [8...e6] 9.Be3 Qb4
10.0-0-0 e6 11.g5 [11.Rd4!?] 11...Nd5 12.Nxd5 [12.Bd4!? Nd7 13.Kb1 Be7 14.Nxd5 cxd5
15.Bxg7 Rg8 16.Bc3=] 12...cxd5 [12...exd5 13.Bd2 Qd6 14.Bf4+/-] 13.Bd3 [13.c4 Bc5 14.cxd5
0-0 15.Bg2=] 13...Nc6 [13...Bc5 14.Bxc5 Qxc5=/+] 14.Rhf1 Ne5 15.Qf2 [15.Qe2 Nxd3+
16.Rxd3 Bd6-/+] 15...Be7 16.Bd4 Bxg5+ [16...Nxd3+ 17.Rxd3 0-0-/+] 17.Kb1 Qd6? [17...Bf6
18.Bxe5 Bxe5 19.Qxf7+ Kd8 20.c3 Bxc3 21.Rf2=] 18.Bxe5 Qxe5 19.Qxf7+ Kd8 20.Rde1
[20.Bb5!+-] 20...Qd4 21.Qxe6 Bf6 22.Qd6+ Black resigns 1-0
Game 38 – Andrade 9.Bd3 Bd6
Leo Pasqualini De Andrade won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit against Victor Ignacio Sant
Valcarcel. White chose the classical 8.Be3 to defend d4. Both sides castled kingside. White
threatened mate in one with 12.Qe4. Black defended h7 with the move 12...Qh4. This queen
sortie presented unique problems for both sides. The Black lady threatens to attack White weak
points, but she could get trapped. After Black missed 20...Ne5, White played 21.Nf6+ heading
toward mate.
Andrade (1826) – Valcarcel (1660) 3rd Floripa Open 2017 Florianopolis BRA (7.135),
24.01.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6
8.Be3 e6 9.Bd3 Bd6 10.0-0 0-0 11.g4 [White could play 11.Ne4 or 11.Rae1 Nbd7 and then
12.Ne4.] 11...Nd5 12.Qe4 Qh4 13.Rf3 Nxe3 14.Qxe3 Nd7 15.Ne4 Be7 16.g5 Rae8 17.Raf1 e5
18.Rg3 exd4 19.Qd2 Bb4 20.Qg2 h5 [20...Ne5-+] 21.Nf6+ Nxf6 22.gxf6 g6 23.Rxg6+ 1-0
Game 39 – Hofmann 9.Bd3 Be7
Attack! That is the goal of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Marko Hofmann demonstrated
excellent instincts in his approach against the BDG Teichmann. Black was played by Friedrich
Grunert. The main line Teichmann Exchange begins 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6. Hoffman chose to
castle 10.0-0-0. This gives White equal chances in theory. After 11…0-0 a flexible choice is
11.Kb1. This gets the king out of the line of fire and defends a2 before White must determine the
exact target squares on which to focus. Hofmann went all out for an attack with 11.g4!? Nd5
12.h4. An alternative was 12.Qe4 with a mate threat on h7. After move 16 White was in deep
trouble. He could not survive unless he attacked immediately. White must throw everything he
has at Black and do it now! He had to hope Black would make a mistake when under pressure.
On move 19, Black obliged. The evaluation changed from a win for Black to a win for White.
Hofmann (1812) - Grunert (1694), ch-GER Youth U25 2016 Willingen GER (9.33),
21.05.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6
8.Be3 e6 9.Bd3 Be7 10.0-0-0 0-0 11.g4!? [11.Kb1=] 11…Nd5 12.h4?! [12.Qe4!?] 12…Nxc3
13.bxc3 Qd5 14.Qh3 Qxa2 15.g5 Nd7 16.h5 Nb6 17.Bxh7+ Kxh7 18.g6+ Kg8 19.h6 fxg6??
[A blunder that changes the evaluation from Black wins to White wins. Black had a mate in four.
19...Nc4! 20.gxf7+ Rxf7 21.h7+ Kh8 22.Rdf1 Qa1#] 20.hxg7 Kf7 [20...Qa1+ 21.Kd2 Nc4+
22.Ke2+-] 21.Rdf1+ Ke8 22.Rxf8+ [22.gxf8Q+!+-] 22...Bxf8 23.gxf8Q+ Kd7 24.Qf7+ Kd8
25.Qh8# 1-0
Game 40 – Herbrechtsmeier 10.0-0
FIDE Master Christof Herbrechtsmeier defeated the IM who used the handle “softrain” in a five
minute blitz game with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. FM Christof Herbrechtsmeier is a long
time BDG player. It’s one of many openings in his FM arsenal. Georg Studier cited a
Herbrechtsmeier game from 1974 in his book “Das moderne Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Band 3”
on page 160 (Game 100). More than 40 years later Christof Herbrechtsmeier doubled his rooks
on the f-file in preparation for the kingside attack that followed.
Herbrechtsmeier (2142) - softrain (2189), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 26.08.2015 begins
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.Be3 e6 9.Bd3 Nbd7
10.0-0 Be7 11.Rf2 0-0 12.Raf1 c5 13.Ne4 Qc7 14.c3 cxd4 15.cxd4 [15.Bxd4!?] 15...g6 16.Bh6
[16.Rc2!?] 16...Rfe8 [16...Qb6!?] 17.Bg5 Nxe4 18.Qxf7+ Kh8 19.Bxe7 Rxe7 20.Qxe7 Nxf2
21.Rxf2 Qc1+ 22.Kh2 Qe3 [22...Qc7+ 23.Kh1+-] 23.Rf7 Black resigns 1-0
5.Nxf3 e6
Game 41 – David Wight Wins
This Blackmar-Diemer Gambit win by David Wight reminds me of a lesson from Bobby Fischer.
Bobby won with a combination, but he missed the fastest win. Fischer commented in effect that
the win you see is better than the one you don’t. The important thing is to keep searching for a
win. When you find it, then you play it! David Wight won this Blackmar-Diemer Gambit vs
“evgeny1955” in the BDG Euwe. David missed the bishop sacrifice Bxh7+ on moves 10 and 11.
By move 12 Wight realized it could work. Sure enough, he won!
Wight (1694) - evgeny1955 (1595), Live Chess Chess.com, 12.12.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bd3 Bb4 7.Be3 [7.a3 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 c5 9.0-0 Nc6 10.Kh1
Qd5 11.Qe2=] 7...0-0 [7...c5 8.a3 cxd4 9.Bxd4 Ba5=/+] 8.0-0 b6 [8...Nc6 9.a3=] 9.Qe1 [9.Ng5!?
Nbd7 10.Qf3 Rb8 11.Qh3 h6 12.Nf3 c5 13.Bxh6 gxh6 14.Qxh6+/-] 9...Nd5 [9...Ba6=] 10.Bd2
[10.Bxh7+! Kh8 (10...Kxh7 11.Ng5+ Kg8 12.Qh4+-) 11.Bg5 f6 12.Qh4 fxg5 13.Nxg5+-]
10...Bb7? [10...f5 11.Nxd5 Bxd2 12.Qxd2 Qxd5 13.c3 Nc6 14.Rae1=] 11.a3 [11.Bxh7+!+-]
11...Bd6 [11...Be7! 12.Qg3 Nxc3 13.bxc3 f5 14.Rae1=] 12.Bxh7+ [12.Ng5 Nf6 13.Rxf6 Qxf6
14.Bxh7+ Kh8 15.Qh4 Qxd4+ 16.Qxd4 Bc5 17.Qxc5 bxc5 18.Bd3+-] 12...Kxh7 13.Ng5+ Kg8?
[13...Kg6 14.Rxf7 Bxh2+ 15.Kxh2 Qd6+ 16.Kg1 Rxf7 17.Nb5+/-] 14.Qh4 Re8 15.Qh7+ Kf8
16.Rxf7# 1-0
Game 42 – Zanan 6.Bd3 c5
Idan Adar played a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit against the International Master Evgeny Zanan of
Israel. Here White chose the less popular 6.Bd3. Black was ready with the sharpest response 6…
c5. White lost time with his dark squared bishop going from 7.Be3 to 9.Bg5 to 12.Bxe7. He
might have done better to try 8.dxc5 or even 10.Bxe7. Black castled queenside and attacked in
the center and on the kingside. White tried to get an attack going, but Black was just too strong.
Adar (1912) - Zanan (2327), 16th ch-EUR Indiv 2015 Jerusalem ISR (8.91), 04.03.2015 begins
1.d4 Nf6 2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bd3 c5 7.Be3 [7.dxc5 Nbd7 8.Qe2 Nxc5
9.Bb5+ Bd7 10.Bg5 a6 11.Bxd7+ Ncxd7=] 7...Nc6 [7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bb4 9.0-0 0-0=/+] 8.Qd2
[8.dxc5=] 8...Ng4 9.Bg5 [9.Bg1!?] 9...Be7 [9...f6!-/+] 10.d5?! [10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.dxc5 Qxc5
12.0-0-0=] 10...exd5 11.0-0 Be6 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Qf4 [13.Rae1 d4-/+] 13...0-0-0 14.Ng5 Nge5
15.Bf5 h6 16.Nf3 g5 17.Bxe6+ fxe6 18.Qa4 [18.Qg3 Nxf3+ 19.Rxf3 Nd4-+] 18...Nxf3+
19.Rxf3 Rhf8 20.Raf1 Rxf3 21.Rxf3 c4 22.Ne2 Rf8 23.Rxf8+ Qxf8 24.a3 [24.c3 Qf5-+]
24...Qc5+ 25.Kf1 a6 26.b4 cxb3 [26...Qf8+ 27.Ke1 Qf5-+] 27.cxb3 [27.Qxb3 Ne7-+] 27...Qf8+
28.Ke1 Qf5 29.b4 Qe4 30.g3 [30.Kf1 d4-+] 30...Kb8 31.Kf2 d4 32.Qb3 d3 [32...Ne5-+]
33.Nc3 Qd4+ 34.Ke1 Qe3+ 35.Kf1 d2 0-1
Game 43 – Wight New Move 7.Ne2
David Wight won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit with an unusual but effective maneuver. The
standard approach in the Euwe Variation after 5.Nxf3 e6 is to play 6.Bg5 and 7.Bd3 or 7.Qd2. In
either case, White's queen may head to Qh4 for a kingside mating attack. David chose the next
best thing with 6.Bd3 and later 9.Qe1. What stood out to me was 7.Ne2!? The knight protected
d4 and allowed a later c3 or c4 pawn push as needed. White combined his kingside attack with
actions on the queenside and the center. Black went wrong in complications. Under pressure,
Black gave up or lost material to hold off checkmate. David Wight told me that "the other person
then let his clock run out!"
Wight (1721) - Rogercaballero74 (1673), Live Chess Chess.com, 05.07.2017 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bd3 Be7 7.Ne2!? [7.Bg5 leads to more popular
positions.] 7...0-0 8.0-0 c6 9.Qe1 Nd5 10.c4 Nb4 11.Bb1 Nd7 12.a3 Na6 13.b4 Nc7 14.Bf4 Nf6
15.Qg3 Nh5 16.Qh3 Nf6 [16...g6 17.Be5 a5 18.g4+-] 17.Ne5 [Another interesting try is 17.Ng5
h6 18.Qd3+/-] 17...Nce8 18.g4 Bd6 [18...g6 19.Bh6 Ng7 20.Bc2+/=] 19.g5 g6 [Or now if
19...Bxe5 20.dxe5+-] 20.gxf6 Nxf6 21.Bg5 Be7 22.Qh4 b5 [Or 22...Kg7 and White remains a
piece up after the wild tactical line 23.Qh6+ Kg8 24.Rf4 Nh5 25.Rxf7 Rxf7 26.Nxf7 Qf8
27.Bxg6 Qxh6 28.Nxh6+ Kg7 29.Bxe7 hxg6 30.Ng4+-] 23.Nxc6 Qd7 24.Nxe7+ Qxe7 25.Bxf6
Qd7 26.Qh6 1-0
Game 44 – Fleischmann 6.Bd3 Be7
Andre Fleischmann won a French Defence against Steppo23 that transposed to the Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit. Black can play the move ...e6 at any point in the first five moves and possibly
reach a BDG Euwe 5.Nxf3 e6 variation. White sacrificed the d4 pawn in this game in an effort to
develop rapidly. Black tried to swap queens when up two pawns. White avoided the trade and
picked off a knight with 17.Rxf6. White won more material and then angled for a checkmate.
Fleischmann - Steppo23, 06.04.2017 begins 1.d4 e6 2.e4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Nf6
6.Bd3 Be7 7.0-0 Nc6 8.a3 Nxd4 9.Kh1 Nxf3 10.Qxf3 c6 11.Bg5 Bd7 12.Rad1 Qa5 13.Bd2
[13.Ne4 Nxe4 (13...0-0-0 14.b4 Qxa3 15.Ra1) 14.Qxf7+ Kd8] 13...Qh5 14.Qg3 0-0 15.Bg5
Rad8 [15...Bd6 16.Qxd6 Qxg5 17.Rxf6 Qxf6 18.Qxd7=] 16.Bxf6 Bxf6 17.Rxf6 Be8 18.Rff1 f6
19.Be2 [19.Bxh7+ Qxh7 20.Rxd8+-] 19...Rxd1 20.Rxd1 Qa5 21.Qd6 Bf7 22.Bc4 Qb6 23.b4
Qe3 24.Qd3 Qe5 25.h3 g5 26.Ne4 Kg7 27.Nc5 b6 28.Nd7 Bg6 29.Qd2 Qe4 30.Nxf8 Qxc4
31.Nxg6 hxg6 32.Qd7+ Kh6 33.Qd3 Qa2 34.Re1 e5 35.Rd1 c5 36.bxc5 bxc5 37.g4 e4 38.Qd8
1-0 [Notes by Andre]
Game 45 – Penullar Returns to BDG
Peter Mcgerald Penullar sent me this game with his notes which I edited for space. Thanks,
Peter!
Penullar - NN, Pasinggatan, Philippines (6), 30.04.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 c6 4.f3
exf3 5.Nxf3 Nf6 6.Bd3 e6 7.0-0 Bd6 8.Qe1 0-0 9.Bg5 Nbd7 10.Qh4 h6? 11.Bxh6 gxh6
12.Qxh6 Re8 13.Ng5 [My opponent has been blitzing all his moves, but after I uncork my 13th
move only then he realized he walked into a trap. He began to use chunks of time thinking a way
out.] 13...Bxh2+ [His last attempt to distract me.] 14.Kh1 [I am winning in this typical BDG
Tabiya position, I work out all the mating pattern in my head, but my opponent intentionally took
an hour before making his move, we don't have chess clocks in this tournament by the way, and
somehow his antics got into my nerve.] 14...Re7 15.Rxf6 Nxf6 [I was fuming inside, I wanted to
beat him badly for taking so much time and not resigning immediately in a lost position. I
impatiently and immediately executed my next move.] 16.Qxf6 Rd7 [After seeing this move
from my opponent, only then I realized I jumbled my mating pattern sequence. It should have
been 16. Bh7+! and mate in 2. Lesson learned, Never let bad emotion get into your way when
playing.] 17.Qh6 Bf4 18.Bh7+ Kh8 19.Bg6+ Kg8 20.Qh7+ Kf8 21.Nxf7 Qf6 [I was already
losing hope and was about to resign, I half-heartedly made my next move.] 22.Rf1 [I decided
that if my opponent takes my d-pawn with his rook, I'll just resign and stop my agony thinking I
botched a won game, instead my opponent decided to simplify the position.] 22...Rxf7 23.Bxf7
Qxf7 24.Qxf7+ Kxf7 25.Rxf4+ [Suddenly I'm a pawn up, with active pieces!! I got a win after
70 plus moves. Long Live BDG!!!] 1-0 [Notes by Penullar]
Game 46 – Saeed 7.0-0 0-0
International Master Nasser A. Saeed won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit on ICC against
“zoujun1966”. This variation may be good for Black in theory, but it is terrible in practice. White
has a huge plus score. Black can easily fall prey to a winning combination at all levels of play.
White has a kingside attack that flows naturally. Prime targets in Black’s position are nine
squares from f6 to h6 to h8 to f8 and everything in between. The White army aims at these
squares with obvious strong threats. Both bishops take aim. The queen arrives diagonally from
d1, d2, or e1. The Nf3 knight hops to g5 or e5. The Nc3 knight moves to e4 for reinforcement.
The Rf1 may capture the Nf6 followed by Rad1 or Raf1. In this game, Black castled kingside. As
a result of White’s attack, the Black king was flushed out into the center, losing material as he
fled.
Saeed (2214) - zoujun1966 (2247), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 21.06.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bd3 Be7 7.0-0 0-0 8.Qe1 Nbd7 9.Qh4 Re8 10.Ne5
Nf8 11.Bg5 Ng6 12.Bxg6 hxg6 13.Rf3 Nh7 [13...c5 14.dxc5 Bxc5+ 15.Kh1+/=] 14.Rh3 Bxg5
15.Qxh7+ Kf8 16.Rd1 Bf6 17.Rf3 Ke7 18.Rxf6 gxf6 19.Qxf7+ Kd6 20.Ne4+ Kd5 21.Nxf6+
Black resigns 1-0
Game 47 – Garcia Fernandez 8.Kh1
Jesus Garcia Fernandez played Eihartze Buiza Prieto in Spain. White carried out a typical
kingside attack for a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. The main difference was that White did not
develop his dark squared bishop until move 18. Instead 8.Bg5 to attack f6-d8, White spent a
tempo playing 8.Kh1. His punches looked good, but they came a tempo too late. Black defended
well. White’s attack ran out of steam.
Garcia Fernandez (1863) - Buiza Prieto (2107), 38th San Sebastian Open Donostia ESP (2.26),
29.03.2015 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bd3 Be7 7.0-0 0-0 8.Kh1
[White may try 8.Qe1 or 8.Bg5] 8...Nbd7 9.Qe1 Re8 10.Ne5 c5 11.Qh4?! [11.Ne4 Rf8
12.Ng5+/=] 11...cxd4 12.Nxf7 [12.Nxd7 Bxd7 13.Qxd4 Bc6-/+] 12...Kxf7 13.Bxh7 Rh8 14.Ne4
Nf8 15.Qh5+ g6 16.Ng5+ Kg7 17.Nxe6+ Bxe6 18.Bh6+ Kf7 19.Bxf8 gxh5 0-1
Game 48 – Zilbermints 6.Bg5 h6
Grandmasters see many openings, but I doubt they come across a Paleface Attack very often.
That line begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.f3!? It avoids the Huebsch Gambit which could be reached after
2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4. In that case 3...dxe4 4.f3 is a BDG. Lev Zilbermints won as White against a
grandmaster who used the handle “yozhik” on the Internet Chess Club. It is impressive to defeat
a master in 16 moves. Black chose 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 h6. White drew out the Black queen with
7.Bxf6 Qxf6. Black should have recaptured with the 7…gxf6. Zilbermints gained time with the
moves 8.Bb5+ c6 9.0-0. Lev followed it up with the knight maneuver 10.Ne5 to 11.Nxf7 to
12.Nxh8.
Zilbermints (2089) - yozhik (2396), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 14.07.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bxf6! [This looks best.] 7...Qxf6? [7...gxf6
8.Qd3 a6 9.0-0-0 Nd7 10.Be2 b5 11.Nd2 Bb7 12.Bf3 Bxf3 13.Qxf3=] 8.Bb5+! c6 [8...Nd7 9.0-0
Bd6 10.Ne5 Bxe5 11.Rxf6 Bxf6 12.Ne4+/-; 8...Bd7 9.0-0 Bd6 10.Ne5 Bxe5 11.Bxd7+ Nxd7
12.Rxf6 Bxf6 13.Nb5 0-0 14.Nxc7+/-; 8...Nc6 9.0-0 Bd6 10.Ne5 Bxe5 11.Rxf6 Bxf6 12.d5+-]
9.0-0 Qd8? [9...Bd6 10.Ne5 Bxe5 11.Rxf6 Bxf6 12.Bc4+/=; 9...Be7 10.Ne5 Qg5 11.Nxf7 Qe3+
12.Kh1+-; 9...cxb5 10.Ne5 a6 11.Rxf6 gxf6 12.Nd3+-] 10.Ne5 cxb5 [10...Bd6 11.Nxf7 Bxh2+
12.Kxh2 Qh4+ 13.Kg1 0-0 14.Ne5+-] 11.Nxf7 Qh4 12.Nxh8 Nc6 [12...Bd6 13.g3 Bxg3
14.Rf8+ Kd7 15.hxg3 Qxg3+ 16.Kf1 Qh3+ 17.Ke2+-] 13.Rxf8+! Kd7 14.d5 Qd4+ 15.Qxd4
Nxd4 16.Rd1 Black resigns 1-0
Game 49 – Sawyer 6.Bg5 Bb4
Is Blackmar-Diemer Gambit sound? That’s a loaded question. Statistically White has scored
58% from the 4.f3 BDG position. That compares favorably to 54% for all openings. On a
practical level it is sound. I’ve won 2000 games with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Your results
may vary! Playing a gambit is like being in a horse race. The player who accepts the gambit is
out front at first. The gambit player is gaining quickly and making threats. How do you win from
behind? You must go fast and hard. I won this Blackmar-Diemer Gambit vs the chess engine
NoamChomsky.
Sawyer - NoamChomsky (2143), ICC 2 2 Internet Chess Club, 15.11.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Bb4 7.Bd3 [7.a3 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 h6 9.Bh4 c5 10.Bd3
cxd4 11.Bxf6 Qxf6 12.cxd4=] 7...c5 [7...Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 h6 9.Bh4 Nbd7 10.0-0 c5 11.Qe1 Qa5
12.Ne5 cxd4 13.cxd4 Qxe1 14.Raxe1=; 7...h6 8.Bxf6 Qxf6 9.a3 Bxc3+ 10.bxc3 0-0 11.0-0=]
8.a3 [8.Bxf6 gxf6 9.a3 Bxc3+ 10.bxc3 Qa5 11.0-0 Qxc3 12.Qe2=; 8.0-0 cxd4 9.Ne4 h6 10.Bh4
Be7 11.Ne5 Nbd7 12.Bb5=; 8.dxc5 0-0 9.0-0 Bxc5+ 10.Kh1 Nc6 11.Qe1 h6 12.Qh4+/-] 8...cxd4
[8...Bxc3+ 9.bxc3 Nc6 10.0-0 cxd4 11.cxd4 Nxd4 12.Ne5=] 9.axb4 dxc3 10.bxc3 0-0 11.0-0
Bd7? [11...Qb6+ 12.Kh1 Nbd7 13.Qe1+/=] 12.Qe1 [Another good method of attack was
12.Ne5! Bc6 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.Qg4+ Kh8 15.Qh5 f5 16.Nxf7+ Rxf7 17.Qxf7+-] 12...Nc6
[12...Bc6 13.b5 Bxf3 14.Rxf3+-] 13.Qh4 h6 14.Bxh6 gxh6 15.Qxh6 e5 16.Ng5 Qb6+ 17.Kh1
Bf5 18.Bxf5 Ne7 19.Bh7+ Kh8 20.Bd3+ [20.Bg6+! Kg8 21.Rxf6 Qg1+ 22.Rxg1 fxg6 23.Qh7#]
20...Kg8 21.Rxf6 Qg1+ 22.Rxg1 Rfe8 23.Bh7+ Kh8 24.Nxf7# Black checkmated 1-0
Game 50 – Sheldrick 7.Bd3 Nbd7
Kevin Sheldrick played a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit that led to checkmate. The positions in his
notes are fantastic with tactical surprises! My favorite was that checkmate in six on move 15.
Sheldrick wrote: “I played a BDG that had some bizarre tactics. It was on the internetski at the
rate of 1 minute each for the game so it isn't of high standard and you may reject it, lol, but I
thought it was quite amazing the tactics that Stockfish came up with at moves 9 and 15 so I have
sent it in. Bye, Kevin” Thanks Kevin. I enjoyed this, despite the mistakes due to speed. All the
White pieces are dangerous to Black in the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. If White can make his
pieces dance, Black is in big trouble.
Sheldrick (2099) - Djmilen (1609), FICS, 26.09.2016 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3
exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Bb4 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.0-0 b6? [8...h6= Stockfish] 9.Ne4?! =/+ [9.Ne5!
makes sense, to threaten the fork 10. Nc6, but the continuations are staggering e.g. 9...Nxe5
(9...Bxc3 10.Nc6!+-; 9...Bb7? 10.Bb5!+-) 10.dxe5 Qd4+ 11.Kh1 Qxe5 12.Bf4! and the planned
13. Nb5! is, oddly, immensely strong; if now, say, 12...Qc5 then 13.Nb5 e5 (or 13...Nd5 14.a3+-)
14.a3+-] 9...Be7 10.Qe2?! [10.Nxf6+!=; or 10.Qe1=/+ are better.] 10...Bb7 11.Rae1 h6 12.Bxf6
Bxf6 13.c3 Bg5?? 14.Nfxg5 hxg5 15.Qe3? +/= [Can you find the win? Stockfish gives
15.Nd6+!! cxd6 16.Qxe6+ fxe6 17.Bg6+ Ke7 18.Rf7+ Ke8 19.Rf6+! Ke7 20.Rexe6#] 15...Qe7
16.Nxg5 0-0-0?? 17.Nxf7 Rdf8 18.Nxh8 Rxh8 19.Bf5 Qh4 20.h3? Nf6 21.Bxe6+ Kb8 22.c4
Qg5?? 23.Qxg5 Rh5 24.Qxg7 Nh7 25.Qh8+ Bc8 26.Qxc8# [Notes by Sheldrick] 1-0
Game 51 – Sheldrick 7.Bd3 0-0
Kevin Sheldrick played a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. and quickly reached a winning position.
Sheldrick wrote this to me on the final day of the Carlsen vs Karjakin World Championship that
ended tied after regulation before rapid play overtime began. “Hi Tim, I think I need to be more
giving, especially at this time of year. This game is not that insightful as I think you would have
covered this sort of thing before, but it was fun to play nevertheless. To try to boot Karjakin out
of the world championship, I wonder if Carlsen will play the BDG tomorrow :) Thanks for the
game, Kevin. Magnus Carlsen does play almost any opening. Here is an exciting BDG!
Sheldrick (2002) - NN (1583), FICS, 28.11.2016 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3
5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Bb4 7.Bd3 0-0 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qe1 Nc6 10.Qh4 h6? [10...g6!+/=] 11.Bxh6 gxh6
12.Qxh6 Nb4 13.Rad1 [13.Ng5! +- works even better, continuing 13...Qxd4+ 14.Kh1 Nxd3
15.cxd3 Qxd3 16.Rxf6 Bxf6 17.Nce4! Bxg5 18.Qxg5+ Kh8 19.Qh6+ Kg8 20.Nf6# but I was too
miserly to give away the d-pawn.] 13...Nxd3 14.Qg5+? [I missed that if 14.Rxd3 Ng4 then
15.Qh5 +- is very strong e.g. 15...f5 16.Qg6+ Kh8 17.Ne5 etc.] 14...Kh8 15.Rxd3 Nh7 16.Qh5
Bb4?? [16...f6=] 17.h4?? [17.Ne4 f6 (or 17...f5 18.Ne5! fxe4 19.Nf7++-) 18.Ne5! fxe5
19.Qxe5+ Kg8 20.Rg3++-] 17...f6 18.Ne4 Qd5?? [18...Bd7!-+] 19.Qg6?? [19.Nfg5! fxg5
20.Nxg5 Rxf1+ 21.Kxf1 Qd7 22.Nf7+ Kg7 23.Ne5+- and white has a raging attack, despite the
material deficit] 19...Bd7 20.Nfg5 [Too late!] 20...fxg5 21.Nxg5 Rxf1+ 22.Kxf1 Nxg5 23.hxg5
Qf5+ 24.Qxf5 exf5 25.Ke2 Bb5 26.Kf3 Bxd3 27.cxd3 [White resigns] 0-1 [Notes by Sheldrick]
5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Be7
Game 52 – Hartelt 7.h4!?
Rob Hartelt won a quick game against coloradojeff. Tom Purser played 7.h4 against the BDG
Bogoljubow 5...g6 which he dubbed the Mad Dog. The h-pawn aimed at h5 to bite g6. Here
White transposed to the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Euwe 5...e6. Hartelt played with 7.h4. I’ll call
it the Mad Pole because it reminds me of the Fishing Pole tactic with Ng5 as the bait and h4 as
the pole. Later, White dangled the knight with 11.Ng5+. Black took the bait. White played the
mate.
Hartelt (860) - coloradojeff (814), Live Chess Chess.com, 28.04.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 e6 5.Bg5 exf3 6.Nxf3 Be7 7.h4?! [This seems premature. White usually prefers
7.Bd3 or 7.Qd2.] 7...0-0 8.Bd3 c6 [8...c5=/+] 9.Bxf6 [9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.0-0-0=] 9...Bxf6 10.Bxh7+
[10.Qe2 c5=/+] 10...Kxh7 11.Ng5+ Bxg5? [Black might survive with 11...Kh6 12.Qc1 Bxg5
13.hxg5+ Kg6 14.Ne2 f6-/+] 12.hxg5+ Kg8 13.Qh5 f6 14.g6 Rf7 15.Qh8# 1-0
Game 53 – Maba Plays 7.Qd2
Mateus dos Passos Maba won against Joao Victor Moreira Schwertner in a Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit Euwe Variation. First, White got his own king to safety with 7.Qd2 and 9.0-0-0. Then
the attack began. Every move took aim at the Black king. White sacrificed his bishop on g5 by
just leaving it there when attacked. I liked the White’s two powerful rook moves that forced mate
to end the game. It was beautiful to behold.
Maba (1500) - Schwertner (1799) 3rd Floripa Open 2017 Florianopolis BRA (9.137),
25.01.2017 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Be7 7.Qd2 Nd5
8.Nxd5 [Maybe 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.0-0-0=] 8...exd5 9.0-0-0 [9.Bd3!?] 9...0-0 10.h4 Nc6 11.Bd3
Nb4 12.Kb1 Nxd3 13.Qxd3 h6 [13...f6=/+] 14.Rdf1 hxg5 15.hxg5 g6 16.Ne5 Kg7 [16...Bxg5
17.Nxg6+-] 17.Rh7+ Kg8 18.Rfxf7 1-0
Game 54 – Drill 7.Qd2 0-0
Frank Drill of Germany enjoyed a long chess career. At times his rating was over 2200. Drill
specialized in a large number of lesser known openings. That made it difficult to prepare to meet
him. Frank Drill played 1.d4 and 1.e4 pretty much interchangeably but almost never the main
lines for any popular opening. Early in his career Drill seems to have avoided the BDG. He
played a number of successful Blackmar-Diemer games during the past 20 years. Here Frank
Drill wins a game in the 5.Nxf3 e6 Euwe Variation. He chose the 7.Qd2 line against Gintautas
Petraitis of Lithuania.
Drill (2049) - Petraitis (1920), Panevezys Open 2016 Panevezys LTU (6.8), 09.06.2016 begins
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Be7 7.Qd2 [More popular is 7.Bd3]
7...0-0 8.0-0-0 Nc6 [The alternative is 8...Nbd7 when White can choose between 9.Bd3 or
9.Kb1] 9.a3 a6 [9...Nd5 is more challenging.] 10.Bd3 g6 11.Qf2 [Another idea is 11.Rhf1!?=]
11...Ng4 12.Qh4 Nf2?! [12...Bxg5+! 13.Nxg5 h5=] 13.Ne4 [White has an amazing move that
many players would miss in a live tournament with the clock running. That move is 13.Bxg6!
fxg6 (13...hxg6 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qxf2 b5 16.Ne4+/-) 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qxf2 b5 16.h4+/-]
13...Nxd3+ 14.Rxd3 f6 15.Be3 Rf7 16.Qg3 b6 [More aggressive is 16...b5=/+] 17.Rf1
[17.Bf4!=] 17...Bb7 18.Nc3 Bd6 19.Qh3 Bc8? [19...Qe7=/+] 20.g4 [20.Ne5! Bxe5 21.dxe5 Qe7
22.exf6 Rxf6 23.Rxf6 Qxf6 24.Ne4+/-] 20...Qe7 21.Rd2 [21.Ne4 e5 22.d5=] 21...Na5 [21...e5
22.dxe5 Nxe5 23.Nxe5 Bxe5=/+] 22.Rdf2 Nc4 23.Ng5 Bxa3 [23...Rf8! 24.Nge4 Nxe3 25.Qxe3
f5 26.Nxd6 Qxd6 27.Ne4 Qe7 28.Ng5 Qf6=] 24.Nxf7 Bxb2+ 25.Kd1 Bxc3? [25...f5 26.Nh6+
Kg7 27.Bf4+-] 26.Rxf6 Bb7 27.Rxg6+ 1-0
Game 55 – Buschmann 7.Bd3 h6
John Buschmann sent me his game vs Howard Vihon with the comment: “Tom Purser published
this old club game of mine a couple of times. I was quite proud of it at the time. I thought we
were both higher rated at the time, but memory is fickle. For your amusement.” Thanks John. I
enjoyed two special moments from this game. First is the bishop retreat 8.Bd2 out of the line of
line and preparing both 10.0-0-0 and 13.Bxh6. Second is the bold knight sacrifice fork 18.Ng6.
This opens up the Black position for White’s final assault.
Buschmann (1785) - Vihon (2090), La Palma, CA Chess.com, 1989 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Be7 7.Bd3 h6 [The sacrifice on h6 is preserved without the
immediate loss of tempo.] 8.Bd2 The sacrifice on h6 is preserved without the immediate loss of
tempo.] 8...0-0 9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.0-0-0 c6 11.Ne5 Nd5 12.Ne4 Nb4 13.Bxh6!? [This move
shocked both of us!] 13...gxh6 14.Qh5 Bg5+ 15.Kb1 Nf6 16.Nxf6+ Qxf6 17.Rhf1 Qe7 [With
17...Qg7 my sacrifice is probably incorrect, but by this time my opponent is down to thirteen
minutes to make his next 23 moves!--a common theme in my games.] 18.Ng6! fxg6 [In all
fairness to my opponent, I'm not sure there is anything left anyway.] 19.Qxg6+ Qg7 20.Rxf8+
Kxf8 21.Rf1+ Ke7 [21...Kg8 22.Qe8+] 22.Qxg7+ Kd6 23.Qe5+ 1-0 [Notes by Buschmann]
Game 56 – Peilen 7.Bd3 b6 8.Qd2
Mark Peilen won against Markus Koch with a tactical combination that Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit players get to use repeatedly. Black probably had better ways to defend against this
BDG. His choice of the rather slow 7...b6 gave White plenty of time to aim at Black’s king. The
White tactics for moves 13 through 18 arise in a variety of BDG Euwe games. Black had choices
to make but many of them led to checkmate.
Peilen - Koch, St Paul, MN, 1982 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6
6.Bg5 Be7 7.Bd3 b6 8.Qd2 Bb7 9.0-0-0 Nbd7 10.Rde1?! [10.Qe2!?] 10...0-0 11.Rhf1 c5!
12.Qf4 h6 [12...cxd4! 13.Qxd4 Nc5-+] 13.Bxh6 gxh6 14.Qxh6 Re8 [14...cxd4 15.Ne4 Bxe4
16.Rxe4 Nxe4 17.Bxe4 f5 18.Qxe6+ Kg7 19.Bxa8+/=] 15.Ng5 Nf8 16.Rxf6! Bxf6 [16...Be4
17.Bxe4+-] 17.Bh7+ Kh8 [Or 17...Nxh7 18.Qxh7+ Kf8 19.Qxf7#] 18.Nxf7# 1-0
Game 57 – Sawyer 7.Bd3 b6 8.0-0
I was having fun driving through the opening. I went around a corner. Suddenly there was the
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit on a side road. I swerved in that direction. My opponent was the chess
engine Protej rated 2401. I had taken a break from my constant writing to play an unrated game
vs a strong opponent. I began my trip in a French Defence after 1.e4 e6. We transposed to the
BDG after 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.f3 exf3 6.Nxf3. In this three minute game, I just
threw my pieces quickly onto safe active squares. Black castled queenside. I tried to beat him to
the attack. There was no time to calculate. I had to open lines and make threats. I worked up a
winning attack with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Unfortunately I wasn't fast enough to close
out the deal. Before I ran out of time, I gave a perpetual check.
Sawyer - Protej (2401), ICC 3 0 u Internet Chess Club, 03.06.2016 begins 1.e4 e6 2.Nc3 d5
3.d4 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.f3 exf3 6.Nxf3 Be7 7.Bd3 b6 8.0-0 [8.Bxf6 Bxf6 9.Be4=; 8.Qe2 Bb7
9.0-0-0=] 8...Bb7 9.Kh1 [9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.Be4 Bxe4 11.Nxe4=] 9...Nbd7 10.Qd2 h6 11.Bf4 g5
12.Be3 Bb4 13.a3 Bxc3 14.bxc3 Qe7 [14...Ne4=/+] 15.c4 0-0-0 16.c5 Ng4 17.Bg1 bxc5
[17...Kb8 18.cxb6=] 18.Rab1 c4 19.Bxc4 Nb6 20.Be2 Kb8 21.a4 Nxa4 22.Qa5 Nb6 23.Ba6
[This move was good, but more powerful was 23.c4! f5 24.Ra1 Nc8 25.Rfb1+-] 23...Be4 24.c4
[24.h3+/-] 24...Rde8 [24...Bxb1 25.Rxb1+/=] 25.c5 Bxb1 26.Rxb1 f5 [26...Rd8 27.h3 h5
28.cxb6 cxb6 29.Qc5+-] 27.cxb6 cxb6 28.Rxb6+ [28.d5! Ka8 29.Bb5+-] 28...axb6 29.Qxb6+
Ka8 30.d5 Rc8 31.Bxc8 Rxc8 32.d6 Qd7 33.Qa6+ Kb8 34.Qb6+ Ka8 35.Qa6+ Kb8 36.Qb6+
Ka8 37.Qa6+ Game drawn by repetition 1/2-1/2
Game 58 – Price 7.Bd3 Nbd7
Tyrin Price sent me this Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Euwe. Tyrin Price wrote in part: "I am just a
borderline USCF Class A player knocking rust off after years but had a quick BDG tonight on
the ICC you might enjoy. I am trying to relearn the BDG... I am usually getting into time trouble
in fast games but knocked this one out pretty quickly. Of course, my opponent helped out in this
matter, too. This game helped to notch my 5-minute rating up a little bit." Yes, Tyrin Price,
thanks for sharing this nice game.
Price (1529) - Caiossauro (1617), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 20.10.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Be7 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.0-0 b6 9.Qe1 Bb7 10.Rd1 [This
is the extent of my BDG "book." Actually, I am not even sure I am still following the BDG
"book" line. I am just operating on principle. I am hoping my opponent will castle so I can get
the typical attack going after Qh4, but I am sort of expecting ...c5.] 10...Nd5 11.Bxe7 Qxe7
12.Nxd5 Bxd5 13.c4 Bxf3 14.Rxf3 Nf6 15.Qg3 0-0-0 [I was happy here because the b6 move
weakened Black's Queenside. Fritz likes ... Qxg7 but I want opened lines against my opponent
rather than opening up lines leading to my King!] 16.c5 [Open some lines! I like this move even
if my post-mortem engine companion does not.] 16...Nh5 17.Ba6+ Kb8 18.Qe1 bxc5? [This is a
huge mistake. I thank my opponent for opening lines against himself! Fritz announced mate in 6
immediately.] 19.Rb3+ Ka8 20.Bb7+ Kb8 21.Bc6+ Kc8 22.Qa5 [It's all over now.] 22...Qd6
23.Qa6# Black checkmated 1-0 [Notes by Tyrin Price]
Game 59 – Peilen 7.Bd3 Nc6
Mark Peilen won a short Blackmar-Diemer Gambit against Mark Wakeham. This game
illustrates simply and beautifully the power of the kingside attack in the Euwe Variation. The
tactics are similar to his game against Koch where White castled queenside. Here Peilen castled
kingside. There was a danger that Black might take on d4 and get good play, but once that
passed, White had great practical chances.
Peilen - Wakeham, corr BDG thematic, 1993 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3
5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bg5 Be7 7.Bd3 Nc6 8.a3 0-0 9.Qd2 b6 10.0-0 [10.0-0-0!?] 10...Bb7 [10...Nxd4
11.Nxd4 Qxd4+ 12.Kh1 Rd8-/+] 11.Qf4 h6 [11...Re8 12.Rae1=] 12.Bxh6 gxh6 [Black must
return the gambit pawn with 12...Qd6 13.Qxd6 cxd6 14.Bg5=] 13.Qxh6 Qd6 [13...Nxd4
14.Nh4! Nf5 15.Nxf5 exf5 16.Rxf5+-] 14.Ng5 1-0
5.Nxf3 g6
Game 60 – Diemer vs Unruh 6.Bg5
Diemer played the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit in this little-known tournament game against Dr.
Unruh at Karlsruhe in 1956. E.J. Diemer developed his pieces to Bg5, Bc4, and Ne5. White had
a great shot with 10.Nxf7! But sadly he captured 10.Nxd7?! After that, Black got a good
position, but our hero kept pushing for an attack. Black missed his best chances. White got
enough counterplay to draw. Black misplayed the ending, and White won. Günter Brunold
provided the game. He wrote this (edited for space): “Hello Tim! I was very pleased that you
didn't forget the game. Diemer ultimately won the fight. You can read it in the Deutsche
Schachzeitung 1953, p. 316.”
Diemer - Dr. Unruh, Karlsruhe, 1953 began 1.d4 Nf6 2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 g6
6.Bg5 [6.Bc4 Bg7 7.Ne5 0-0 8.Bg5 is the most popular move order to reach the game
continuation.] 6...Bg7 7.Bc4 0-0 8.Ne5 Nbd7 [Black usually plays this. The most difficult
defense to meet in theory is 8...c5!-/+] 9.0-0 c5 [9...c6 10.Bb3 Nb6=/+] 10.Nxd7?! [Today we
have the advantage of 60 years of experience watching master play and analyzing variations.
Diemer had to plow virgin territory. White has a good continuation in 10.Nxf7! Rxf7 11.Bxf7+
Kxf7 12.dxc5=] 10...Bxd7 11.d5 [11.dxc5] 11...b5 12.Nxb5 Ne4 13.Bh4 Bxb5 14.Bxb5 Bxb2
15.Bc6 Rb8 16.Qe1 Bxa1 17.Qxa1 Qb6 [17...Qd6!-+] 18.c4 [18.Qe1!?] 18...Qc7 19.Re1 Qf4
[19...f5!-+] 20.d6 Qxh4 21.Rxe4 Qf6 22.Qxf6 exf6 23.d7 [“White had a strong passed pawn
warranting the draw. But black still spoilt the game in time pressure (or time trouble).” - Günter
Brunold] 1-0
Game 61 – Tocco 6.Bc4 Bg7 7.h4
Paolo Tocco of Italy played FM Fabrice Wantiez of Belgium in a tournament held in the
Netherlands. White chose the Mad Dog line with 7.h4. Black stood better in theory.
Unfortunately, the Mad Dog makes it more difficult for White to get good play. In only works
against weak defense. Here Black is a FIDE Master. He defended well. White might try 7.Bg5 or
7.0-0. Black obtained an extra passed e-pawn early in this game. White managed to create a
passed c-pawn, but the Black knights blocked it and stopped it cold.
Tocco (2129) - Wantiez (2320), 26th NATO Chess 2015 Amsterdam NED (5.4), 09.07.2015
begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 g6 6.Bc4 Bg7 7.h4 Nc6 8.d5 Na5 9.Bb5+
c6 10.dxc6 Qxd1+ 11.Nxd1 Nxc6 12.Ne5 [12.Nf2 a6 13.Bxc6+ bxc6-/+] 12...Bd7 13.Nxd7
Nxd7 14.c3 h5 15.Nf2 [15.0-0 Nde5=/+] 15...Nde5 16.Bd2 0-0-0 17.0-0-0 Bh6 18.Bxh6 Rxd1+
19.Rxd1 Rxh6 20.Ne4 [20.Bxc6 Nxc6=/+] 20...Rh8 21.Ng5 Rd8 22.Rf1 f6 23.Ne6 Rd6 24.Nf4
a6 25.Be2 Nd8 26.Rd1 Rxd1+ 27.Bxd1 Kc7 28.Bc2 f5 29.Bb3 Kd6 30.Kd2 e6 31.Ke2 b6
32.a4 Ke7 33.Ba2 Kf6 34.b4 a5 35.bxa5 [35.Kd2 Nec6=/+] 35...bxa5 36.c4 [36.Ke3 Nd7-/+]
36...Nb7 37.Ke3 Nc5 38.Kd4 Ned7 39.Nd3 [39.Ne2 Nxa4-+] 39...Nxd3 40.Kxd3 Ke5 0-1
Game 62 – Quinones 8.h3 a5
Jorge Victor Quiñones Borda sent me this game. His opponent was the BDGer Peter Leisebein.
Jorge Quinones wrote in part: “Hello Mr. Sawyer, I finished this game some minutes ago. An h3
in a Bogo could look strange, but maybe it´s necessary in this game... and just following it with
an a3 just two moves later could look not like the most active play in the BDG... but it could be
what we should do before keep going on with the development. Greetings, Jorge Quiñones”
Jorge confirmed that it was a correspondence game played at 10 moves / 30 days. They started in
2015 and finished in 2016. The move 8.h3 seems to stand better in theory than the popular
Studier Attack 8.Qe1. Jorge Quinones played a good game.
Quiñones Borda - Leisebein, RSS7E high-177 www.remoteschach.de, 12.11.2015 begins 1.d4
d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 c6 6.Bd3 g6 7.0-0 Bg7 8.h3 a5 9.Qe1 Na6 10.a3 Nc7
11.Qh4 [White could try 11.Bf4 0-0 12.Be5=] 11...0-0 12.Ne2 [Or 12.Be3 a4 13.Rae1 Ne6
14.Bc4=] 12...a4 13.Bh6 Ra5 14.Bxg7 Kxg7 15.c4 Rh5 [15...Bf5 16.Bxf5 Rxf5 17.d5 cxd5
18.Ng3 Rxf3 19.Rxf3=] 16.Qf2 [16.Qe1!? Ne6 17.Rd1 Qb6 18.c5!=] 16...Bf5 17.Bxf5 Rxf5
18.g4 Ra5 19.Nf4 Qd6 20.Qe3 Kg8 [20...h5 21.g5 Nd7 22.Rae1=] 21.Kg2 b5 22.g5 bxc4
23.gxf6 exf6 24.Nd2 Rg5+ 25.Kh1 Re8 [Black might have done better swapping off a set of
knights with 25...Nd5 26.Nxd5 cxd5=/+] 26.Nxc4 Qd7 [Black could swap queens with 26...Rxe3
27.Nxd6 Nd5 28.Nc4 Reg3 29.Kh2 Nxf4 30.Rxf4 Rg2+ 31.Kh1 Rc2 32.Nd6 Rgg2 33.Rxf6
Rh2+ 34.Kg1 Rcg2+ 35.Kf1 Rxb2 36.Kg1= when there is nothing better than to repeat moves
for perpetual check.] 27.Qf3 Ne6 28.Nxe6 Rxe6 29.Rad1 Rf5 30.Qg2 Rh5 31.Rf3 c5 1/2-1/2
Game 63 – Zilbermints 8.h3 Nbd7
Lev Zilbermints won a five minute blitz game against “ZeroKool” in a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
Bogoljubow 5...g6. The point of his 8.h3 was to take the g4 square away from Black and avoid
the lines 8.Qe1 Bg4 and 8.Qe1 Ng4. The delay of Qe1 by one tempo for White eliminates
Black’s strongest ideas. Instead, after 8.h3 Nbd7, White continued with 9.Qe1 heading for Qh4
and a kingside attack. In this game Black got crossed up and dropped a piece in an equal
position.
Zilbermints, Lev (2079) - ZeroKool (1980), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 18.08.2017 begins
1.d4 Nf6 2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 g6 6.Bc4 Bg7 7.0-0 0-0 8.h3 Nbd7 9.Qe1 Nb6
[9...c6 10.Qh4 Nb6 11.Bd3 Nbd5 12.Bh6=] 10.Bb3 Nbd5 11.Qh4 [11.Nxd5 Nxd5 12.c4 Nb6
13.Bg5 Re8 14.Qe3 a5 15.a4=] 11...c5 12.dxc5 Nxc3 13.bxc3 Nh5 14.Bg5 Bf6 15.g4
[15.Rae1!?] 15...Nf4 [15...Ng7 16.Rad1 Qc7 17.Bxf6 exf6 18.Kg2=] 16.Qh6 Qc7? [Black drops
a piece. A better continuation is 16...Ne2+ 17.Kg2 Nxc3 18.Bxf6 exf6 19.Qe3=] 17.Bxf4 Black
resigns 1-0
Game 64 – Peilen 8.Qe1 Nbd7
Mark Peilen won against a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Bogoljubow 5...g6 by D. Gilner in
Cincinnati, Ohio in 1980. White chose the popular Studier Attack 8.Qe1. Black’s 8...Nbd7 was
meant to solidify the position. The knight was just passing through d7. It temporarily blocked
Black’s light squared bishop. But that bishop never moved. Instead, Black got involved with
other issues. The final rook check was a beautiful thing. White’s queen and dark squared bishop
were hanging. Black could have dealt with 18.Rd8+ in five different ways, but every way led to
checkmate.
Peilen - Gilner, Cincinnati, OH, 1980 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 g6
6.Bc4 Bg7 7.0-0 0-0 8.Qe1 Nbd7 9.Qh4 c5 10.dxc5 Qc7 [10...Nxc5 11.Be3=] 11.Be3 [11.b4!?]
11...Nxc5 12.Bh6 [12.Nb5 Qc6 13.Ne5 Qe4 14.Qxe4 Nfxe4 15.Bxf7+ Kh8 16.Bd4+/=] 12...Nh5
[12...Bxh6 13.Qxh6 Nce4 14.Nxe4 Ng4 15.Bxf7+ Rxf7 16.Qd2=] 13.Nd5 Qd6 14.Nxe7+ Kh8
15.Rad1! Qf6 [15...Qb6 16.Be3 Qc7 17.Nd5 Qc6 18.Ng5 Be6 19.g4+-] 16.Ng5 Qxe7 17.Nxf7+
Rxf7 [17...Qxf7 18.Rxf7 Be6 19.Bxg7+ Nxg7 20.Rxf8+ Rxf8 21.Qe7+-] 18.Rd8+ [White has
mate in six: 18...Qf8 19.Rxf7 Be6 20.Rfxf8+ Bxf8 21.Qd4+ Kg8 22.Rxa8 Kf7 23.Rxf8+ Ke7
24.Qd8 mate] 1-0
Game 65 – Zilbermints 8.Qe1 Nc6
Lev Zilbermints won against Pegaz with the Studier Attack 8.Qe1 in the Blackmar-Diemer
Bogoljubow. White angled for a kingside assault with 9.Qh4. Black took the c2 pawn with the
bishop. In theory such material grabbing might survive. In practice it’s very risky against the
experienced play of Lev Zilbermints. White won a knight and threatened mate.
Zilbermints (1871) - Pegaz (1969), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 04.07.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 exf3 5.Nxf3 g6 6.Bc4 Bg7 7.0-0 0-0 8.Qe1 Nc6 9.Qh4 Bf5 10.h3 Bxc2
11.Rf2 Bf5 12.Bh6 Re8 [12...Qd6!?-/+] 13.g4 Nxd4 [13...e6 14.gxf5 exf5 15.Bg5+/-] 14.Rd1
Nxf3+ 15.Rxf3 Bd7 [15...Qxd1+ 16.Nxd1+-] 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.g5 e6 [17...c6 18.gxf6+ exf6
19.Rxd7+-] 18.gxf6+ Kh8 19.Qh6 Rg8 20.Rf4 Black resigns 1-0
5.Nxf3 Bf5
Game 66 – Naesborg 6.Bg5
Jens-Ole Naesborg won a game against Benjamin Halvorsen in Denmark. The opening began
1.e4 d5 as a Scandinavian Defence. Then it passed through the Von Popiel 4.Bg5. It settled as a
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Gunderam Variation which could have been reached via 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bf5 6.Bg5. White exchanged off his bishops to remove his
opponent’s active pieces. Black played cautiously with a solid defensive structure. White
advanced his knights and rooks to attack Black’s king. Then a tactical allowed White win the
Black queen.
Naesborg (1900) - Halvorsen (1728), Politiken Cup 2015 Helsingor DEN (8.147), 31.07.2015
begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bf5 5.f3 exf3 6.Nxf3 e6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Bd3 Bxd3
9.Qxd3 c6 [Black could try 9...Nc6 10.0-0-0 Be7=/+] 10.0-0 Qg6 11.Ne4 Nd7 12.Rae1 Bb4
13.c3 [13.Re3=] 13...Be7 14.Qe2 0-0 15.Nfd2 Rad8 16.Rf3 Nf6 [16...c5 17.Rh3 cxd4 18.cxd4
Nb6-/+] 17.Rg3 Qh5? [17...Qh6 18.Rh3 Qg6 19.Rg3=] 18.Nxf6+ 1-0
Game 67 – Gareyev Caro-Kann
GM Timur Gareyev turned a Caro-Kann Defence into a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit in January
2017. The BDG is an exciting choice against the Caro-Kann, but White walked into a bad line.
Better is 7.0-0, or earlier 6.Bd3, or even 3.f3!? White cannot afford to leave his uncastled king in
the center. Guillermo Vazquez defended aggressively. Rather than 8…Bg6 he countered with
8…Nfd7. Black threatens Nxe5 and …Qh4+. This thematic idea comes from both the Slav
Defence and BDG variations. Nigel Short transposed to a related line (see 7.Qe2 below) in a blitz
game. Short won as White in 43 moves from a Caro-Kann Defence. The BDG fit in well with the
King’s Gambit which Nigel often played on the Internet Chess Club about fifteen years ago.
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit is a battle of the White momentum vs the Black material. Grandmaster
Gareyev (Gareev) plays a wide variety of sharp openings. His play is entertaining for us!
Gareyev (2617) - Vazquez (2437), PRO League Pacific 2017 chess.com INT (1), 11.01.2017
begins 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Nf6 6.Bc4 Bf5 7.Ne5 [7.Qe2 e6 8.0-0 Be7
9.Bf4 Nbd7 10.Rae1 0-0=/+ Short (3314) - Diana (2924), ICC 2004] 7...e6 8.g4 Nfd7 [8...Bg6
9.h4 Bb4 10.h5 Bxc2 11.Qd2 (Diemer - Gunderam, corr 1983) 11...Rf8 12.a3 Ba5=/+] 9.Bf4?!
[White must be feeling pretty bad about now. 9.gxf5 Qh4+ 10.Kf1 Nxe5 11.Be2 Qh3+ 12.Ke1
Ned7 13.fxe6 Qxe6=/+] 9...Nxe5 10.Bxe5 Qh4+ 11.Bg3 Qxg4 12.Be2 [12.Qd2 Be7 13.Be2 Qg5
14.Bf4 Qh4+ 15.Bg3 Qh6 16.Qxh6 gxh6 17.0-0-0 Na6 18.a3 0-0-0-/+ when Black's f-pawn is a
long term advantage.] 12...Qg5 13.Rf1 Nd7 14.Bf3 Bb4 15.Qe2 Nf6 16.Qe3?! Qxe3+ 0-1
Game 68 – Gareyev Gunderam
Timur Gareyev has amazing talent for remembering the location of all the pieces. He sees
tactical threats when he cannot look at the board. The Blindfold King as Grandmaster Gareyev
calls himself set a blindfold simultaneous exhibition record. Timur Gareyev played 48 opponents
at the same time on December 4, 2016 at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Gareyev
transposed into a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. I believe Kris Judkins had Black in this Gunderam
Variation. After the standard 5…Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.g4 Black played 7...Be4 instead of the
alternatives 7...Ne4 or 7...Bg6. Instead of wild complications with 8.Ne4! White opted for
8.Rg1?! This gave Black a significant advantage. The grandmaster survived and found a way to
draw.
Gareyev (2618) - Judkins, Gareyev Blindfold Simul Las Vegas USA (1.5), 03.12.2016 begins
1.Nc3 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.f3 exf3 4.Nxf3 Nf6 5.d4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.g4 Be4 [7...Bg6] 8.Rg1 [8.Nxe4]
8...Bb4 9.g5 Nd5 10.Bd2 Nxc3 11.bxc3 Bd6 12.Qe2 Bxc2 13.Bh3 Bxe5 14.Qxe5 0-0 15.Bg2
Nd7 16.Qb5 [16.Qa5 c6-+] 16...Rb8 17.Bf4 Nb6 [17...e5-+] 18.Qe2 Bg6 19.h4 Nd5 20.Bd2
Qd6 21.h5 Qg3+ 22.Qf2 Qxf2+ 23.Kxf2 Bxh5 24.c4 Nb6 25.Rgc1 Rfd8 [25...f6!? -/+] 26.Be3
Bg6 27.a4 Rd7 28.a5 Nc8 29.d5 exd5 30.cxd5 Ne7 31.Bxa7 Re8 [31...Ra8-/+] 32.Re1 Red8
33.d6 cxd6 34.Rac1 Kf8? [34...d5=/+] 35.Bb6 Ra8 36.Rc7 Rxc7 37.Bxc7 d5 38.Bd6 Be4
39.Bxe4 dxe4 40.Rxe4 Re8 41.Rd4? [41.Ba3! f6 42.gxf6 gxf6 43.Rb4=] 41...Rd8 42.Kf3
[42.Bxe7+ Kxe7 43.Rb4 Rd7 44.Ke3 f5 45.Rb6 g6-/+] 42...Ke8 43.Ke4 Nc6 44.Rd5 Nxa5
45.Re5+ Kd7 46.Bb4 Nc6 47.Rb5 Kc7 [Black could try to win with 47...Re8+ 48.Kf4 Nd8
49.Kg4 Re4+ 50.Kf3 Rc4 51.Rd5+ Ke8 52.Bd2 Ne6 53.Be3 Nc7 54.Rd2 b5-+] 48.Bc3 h5
49.Bxg7 1/2-1/2
Game 69 – Peilen 7.g4 Be4
Mark Peilen won a postal chess game in a critical line of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
Gunderam against Karl Andre. Databases and chess engines were not available to
correspondence players in those days. Both players were on their own. We found ourselves
experimenting with many opening possibilities. These BDG players demonstrate why the move
10...Qf6? does not work well in the 7.g4 Be4 8.Nxe4 line.
Peilen - Andre, corr, 1986 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6
7.g4 Be4 8.Nxe4 Nxe4 9.Qf3 Qh4+ 10.Kd1 Qf6? [Black defends f7 but not e4. Correct is
10...Nf2+ 11.Ke2 Nxh1 12.Qxf7+ Kd8 13.Bg2=] 11.Qxe4 c6 12.Bc4 Bd6 [12...Nd7 13.Rf1
Nxe5 14.Rxf6 Nxc4 15.Rxe6+ Kd7 16.d5 Nd6 17.Rxd6+ Bxd6 18.Qf5+ Ke8 19.Bf4+-] 13.Rf1
Qh4 [13...Bxe5 14.Rxf6 Bxf6 15.g5 Be7 16.Qe5+-] 14.Nxf7 0-0 [14...Be7 15.Bg5+-] 15.Bg5
Qxh2 16.Qxe6 Nd7 17.Nh6+ Kh8 18.Qg8+ 1-0
Game 70 – Alexey Dreev vs BDG
GM Alexey Dreev is a great blitz player and one of the best defenders in the world with Black.
He played a BDG Gunderam vs “Over-Rated” and White got an edge after a wild opening in a
very long game.
Over-Rated (3513) - Dreev (3292), ICC 3 2 Internet Chess Club, 04.04.2004 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.g4 Be4 8.Nxe4 Nxe4 9.Qf3 Qh4+ 10.Kd1
Nd6!? 11.Be3 [11.c3=] 11...Nd7 12.c3 Qd8 [12...h5!? 13.g5 0-0-0=/+] 13.Kc2 Be7 14.Bd3 f6
15.Nxd7 Qxd7 16.Rae1 0-0-0 17.Bf2 Rde8 18.Kb1 Kb8 19.Qe3 Nc8 20.Qxe6 Qxe6 21.Rxe6
Bd6 22.Rxe8 Rxe8 23.h4 h6 24.Kc2 c6 25.c4 Bf4 26.a4 Nd6 27.Re1 Rxe1 28.Bxe1 g5 29.b4
Kc7 30.b5 Kd7 31.Kc3 gxh4 32.Bxh4 Bg5 33.Bg3 f5 34.gxf5 h5 35.c5 Ne8 36.Bb8 h4 37.Bxa7
h3 38.Be2 [38.f6! Nxf6 39.Bf5+ Kc7 40.Bxh3+- and White is up two pawns in the endgame.]
38...h2 39.Bf3 Nc7 40.Kd3 Bf6 41.bxc6+ bxc6 42.Bb6 Nd5 43.a5 Kc8 44.a6 Kb8 45.Be4 Ka8
46.Kc4 Kb8 47.Bh1 Ka8 48.Kd3 Kb8 49.Kc4 Ka8 50.Bf3 Kb8 51.Be4 Ka8 52.Bh1 Kb8
53.Kd3 Ka8 54.Bf3 Kb8 55.Ke4 Ka8 56.Bg2 Kb8 57.Bf3 Ka8 58.Bg2 Kb8 59.Bh1 Ka8
60.Kd3 Kb8 61.Ke4 Ka8 62.Bf3 Kb8 63.Bg2 Ka8 64.Bf3 Kb8 65.Bg2 Ka8 66.a7 Kb7 67.Bf3
Ka8 68.Kd3 Kb7 69.Bh1 Ka8 70.Ke4 Kb7 71.Kd3 Ka8 72.Bf3 Kb7 73.Be4 Ka8 74.Kc4 Kb7
75.Kd3 Ka8 76.Kc4 Kb7 77.Bf3 Ka8 78.Bh1 Kb7 79.Bf3 Ka8 80.Bh1 Kb7 81.Be4 Ka8
82.Bf3 Kb7 83.Kd3 Ka8 84.Bh1 Kb7 85.Bf3 Ka8 86.Bh1 Kb7 87.Ke4 Ka8 88.Ba5 Kxa7
89.Be1 Ka6 [89...Kb7 90.Bg3+/-] 90.Bg3 Nc3+ 91.Kd3 Bxd4 92.Kxd4 Ne2+ 93.Kc4 Nxg3
94.f6 Nxh1 95.f7 Nf2 96.f8Q Kb7 97.Qg7+ [Black resigns. If he saves his h-pawn with 97...Ka6
then 98.Qc7! h1=Q 99.Qb6 mate.] 1-0
Game 71 – Christensen 8.Qf3
Thomas (Thom2) Christensen won with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit against Leo Crevatin in a
tournament in Denmark. Black chose the Gunderam Variation with 5.Nxf3 Bf5. After the
standard continuation 6.Ne5 e6 7.g4 Bg6 the choice is between 8.Bg2 planning to castle kingside
or 8.Qf3 planning to castle queenside. White chose the latter. The master attacked kingside and
queenside until he won a piece. This is one of two Danish masters named Thomas Christensen.
Christensen (2229) - Crevatin (2044), Xtracon Chess Open 2017 Helsingor DEN (9.66),
29.07.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.g4 Bg6 8.Qf3
[Or 8.Bg2= ] 8...c6 9.g5 Nfd7 10.Nxg6 hxg6 11.Bd2 Nb6 12.0-0-0 Bd6 [12...Qxd4 13.Nb5 cxb5
14.Bxb5+ N8d7 15.Ba5+-] 13.h4 Nd5 14.Ne4 Bc7 15.h5 gxh5 16.g6 [16.Rxh5 Rxh5 17.Qxh5
g6 18.Qh7+-] 16...Qe7 [16...fxg6 17.Re1 Rf8 18.Qb3+-] 17.c4 Nb6 [17...f5 18.Ng5 Nf6
19.Bd3+-] 18.Ng5 [18.gxf7+!? Qxf7 19.Qxf7+ Kxf7 20.Ng5+ Ke7 21.Nxe6 Kxe6 22.Bh3+!+-]
18...Qf6 [18...f6 19.Nf7 Rg8 20.Qxh5+-] 19.gxf7+ Ke7 [19...Kd7 20.Qe3+-] 20.Qa3+ Bd6
21.c5 1-0
5.Nxf3 c6
Game 72 – Leveller 6.Ne5
“Leveller” won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit blitz game against the International Master Valerian
Adam. In the BDG Ziegler Variation 5...c6, White usually develops a bishop on move six with
6.Bd3 or 6.Bc4. “Leveller” chose to play 6.Ne5 and 7.Qf3 with the intention to build up a
kingside attack. Black could have played 7...Qb6 or 8...Ng4 or 9...Be6. After the Canadian
master blundered on move 16, White’s assault had a snowball effect on Black’s defenses. The
attack grew quickly and leveled everything in its path.
Leveller (1589) - Adam (1567), ICC 2 12 Internet Chess Club, 24.06.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 c6 6.Ne5!? Nbd7 7.Qf3 [7.Bf4!?] 7...Nxe5 [7...Qb6 8.Qf4
Nxe5 9.dxe5 Nd5 10.Nxd5 cxd5 11.Bd3 e6=/+] 8.dxe5 Nd5 [8...Ng4!?] 9.Bc4 e6 [9...Be6=]
10.0-0 Bc5+ 11.Kh1 0-0 12.Ne4 Be7 13.Qg3 Kh8 14.a3 b5 [14...f5=] 15.Bd3 f5 16.exf6 Nxf6?
[16...gxf6 17.Qh4 Rf7=] 17.Qh4 Nxe4 18.Rxf8+ Qxf8 19.Qxe4 g6 [19...Qg8 20.Qxc6 Rb8
21.Be3 Bb7 22.Qd7 Bf6 23.Bxa7+/-] 20.Be3 [20.Bf4+-] 20...Bf6 [20...e5 21.Rf1+/-] 21.Rf1 Qg7
22.Rxf6 Qxf6 23.Bd4 Qxd4 24.Qxd4+ Kg8 25.Qd8+ Kf7 26.Be4 Black resigns 1-0
Game 73 – Herbrechtsmeier 6.Bd3
FIDE Master Christof Herbrechtsmeier won a game against “Charlemagne”. White chose 6.Bd3
which prevented 6...Bf5. Black could have chosen 8...Bh5 or 9...Nbd7 for equality.
Herbrechtsmeier sacrificed his d-pawn with the 10.Bd2 retreat to speed up his attack. Black’s
queen and king got caught in the middle. This gave White a chance for the “free” discovered
attack 14.Ba6! The tactics that followed favored White.
Herbrechtsmeier (2309) - Charlemagne (2364), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 24.10.2015
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 c6 6.Bd3 Bg4 7.Be3 e6 8.h3 Bxf3 [8...Bh5
9.Qe2=] 9.Qxf3 Bb4 [9...Nbd7 10.0-0=] 10.Bd2 Qxd4 11.0-0-0 Bxc3 12.Bxc3 Qd5 13.Qg3
Nbd7 14.Ba6 Qxa2 15.Rxd7 Nxd7 16.Bxb7 Rd8 17.b3 Rg8 18.Qd6 c5 19.Bc6 Qa3+ 20.Kb1
f6 [20...Qa6 21.Bxd7+ Rxd7 22.Qxa6+-] 21.Qxe6+ Kf8 22.Bxd7 c4 23.Ba4 [23.Bxf6! Rxd7
24.Bd4 Rf7 25.Qc8+ Ke7 26.Re1+ Kd6 27.Re6+ Kd5 28.Qxc4#] 23...cxb3 [23...Qe7 24.Qxc4+-]
24.Bxb3 Qxb3+ 25.cxb3 Re8 26.Bb4+ Re7 27.Qxe7# Black checkmated 1-0
Game 74 – Zilbermints 6.Bc4 Bg4
Lev Zilbermints won against Oblique in a Caro-Kann Defence that transposed into a BDG
Ziegler Variation. Black fell into the 6...Bg4 trap. That move works well after 6.Bd3 (see
previous game), but it is a mistake against 6.Bc4. White immediately regained the gambit pawn
and left Black with a weak e-pawn. Black tried to protect e6 and attack the Bg5 at the same time.
But then Black noticed White could just take the queen.
Zilbermints (1914) - Oblique (1721), ICC tourney (5 0) Internet Chess Club (9), 14.08.2017
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 c6 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.f3 exf3 6.Nxf3 Bg4? [6...Bf5] 7.Bxf7+ Kxf7
8.Ne5+ Ke8 [8...Kg8 9.Nxg4 Nbd7 10.Qe2 h6 11.Bf4 Nxg4 12.Qxg4 Kh7 13.0-0-0+/-] 9.Nxg4
Nbd7 10.0-0 e6 11.Nxf6+ Nxf6 12.Bg5 Be7 13.Re1 Qd5? Black resigns 1-0
Game 75 – Hartelt Caro to BDG
Rob Hartelt won a Caro-Kann that transposed into the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. White had a
winning plan that led to a crisp sharp victory. White looked to be having fun! Black used the
handle “petrorebro” and was listed as being from the Ukraine. The players were ready for action
in this one minute game. Rob Hartelt consistently applied pressure. Black lost on time just before
getting mated. White still had 35 seconds left. When I played both the Caro-Kann Defence and
Slav Defence as Black, it made sense to answer 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 with 2...c6. The natural 3.e4 dxe4
led to positions that I knew well. Typically White played 4.Nxe4. Once in a while as Black I
faced a bold White player who offered a gambit by 4.f3!? exf3 5.Nxf3 Nf6 6.Bc4. Note that
White might arrive at the same position after 4.Bc4!? Nf6 5.f3 exf3 6.Nxf3. Rob Hartelt is an
active player in the strong Colorado chess scene. White chose the tactical motif of 9.h4 followed
by a bishop sacrifice Bxh7+ followed by Qh5. It proved to be an excellent practical choice at a
fast speed. White’s plan worked with Black’s cooperation.
Hartelt - petrorebro, Live Chess Chess.com, 21.12.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c6 3.e4 dxe4
4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Nf6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bg5 Be7 [7...Nbd7 8.0-0 Qb6 9.Rb1 Bd6 10.Qd3=] 8.Bd3 0-0
9.h4!? [9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.0-0-0=] 9...c5 [9...Nbd7 would defend against White's creative
combination.] 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.Bxh7+!? Kxh7 12.Ng5+ Bxg5? [Black did not have time to find
the perfect defense: 12...Kh6! 13.Qc1 Bxg5 14.hxg5+ Kg6 15.Ne2 f5-+] 13.hxg5+ Kg8 14.Qh5
f6 15.g6 with mate in one on h8. 1-0
Game 76 – Wiander in Scandinavia
Michael Wiander won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit that began as a Scandinavian Defence in
Sweden. Roy M. Nilsson accepted the gambit. They played the BDG Ziegler 5...c6. This Caro-
Kann Defence usually sees 6...Bf5 which could transpose to BDG Gunderam after 5.Bf5 6.Bc4
c6. The game below shifted gears with 6...e6 which became a BDG Euwe 5...e6 by transposition.
White had played Bc4 instead of Bd3. Black had played ...c6 instead of ...c5. No worries. On
move 9 Black played ...c6-c5, and on move 13 White played Bc4-Bd3. The winning tactic in this
game is 14.Bxh7+ Nxh7 15.Bxe7.
Wiander (2235) - Nilsson (2007), Deltalift Open 2017 Tylosand SWE (4.18), 25.05.2017 begins
1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 c6 6.Bc4 [Or 6.Bd3 ] 6...e6 [Or 6...Bf5 ] 7.0-0
Be7 8.Kh1 [8.Qe1=] 8...0-0 9.Qe1 c5 [9...Nbd7 10.Qg3=] 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.Bg5 Be7 12.Qh4
Nbd7 13.Bd3 b6 [13...Re8 14.Rad1+/-] 14.Bxh7+ Nxh7 15.Bxe7 Qc7 16.Bxf8 Ndxf8 17.Ng5
Nxg5 [17...Qe7 18.Nf3+-] 18.Qxg5 Ba6 19.Ne4!? Nh7 20.Qf4 e5 21.Qf3 Rf8 [21...Bxf1
22.Nf6+ Nxf6 23.Qxa8+ Kh7 24.Rxf1+/-] 22.Rf2 Bb7 23.Qe3 f5 24.Ng5 Nxg5 25.Qxg5 Be4
[25...f4 26.Rd1+/-] 26.Rd1 Rf6 [26...Bc6 27.Rfd2+-] 27.Rfd2 Qc6 28.Rd8+ Kh7 29.R1d7 Rg6
30.Qh5+ [30.Qh4+! Rh6 31.Rxg7+ Kxg7 32.Qe7+ Kg6 33.Rg8+ Kh5 34.Qg5# mate] 30...Rh6
31.Qg5 Rg6 32.Rxg7+ Kxg7 33.Qe7+ Kh6 34.Rh8# 1-0
5.Nxf3 c5
Game 77 – Kristjansson 6.d5 g6
GM Stefan Kristjansson played Arnar Thorsteinsson in Iceland. The grandmaster began 1.d4 d5
2.Nc3 which can transpose to the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit in various ways if White plays e4
soon. A BDG move order is 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 c5. The Sicilian Defence move order is
1.e4 c5 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4. In this game White played 8.Bc4 and castled kingside. Black had a
slight advantage throughout most of this game, but White a few chances at equality. The last one
was to simply take the rook with 35.Bxd7. Black held on, and White’s opportunities disappeared.
Kristjansson (2459) - Thorsteinsson (2182), TCh-ISL Div 1 2016-17 Reykjavik ISL (7.4),
03.03.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5 3.e4 dxe4 4.d5 Nf6 5.f3 exf3 6.Nxf3 g6 7.Be3 [Alternatives
are 7.Bg5 and 7.Bb5+.] 7...Nbd7 8.Bc4 [8.Bb5 Bg7 9.Bxc5 0-0=/+] 8...Bg7 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2 a6
11.a4 Qc7 12.Bg5 [12.Rae1=] 12...Nb6 13.Ba2 c4 14.Rad1 Bg4 15.h3 Bxf3 16.Rxf3 Rad8
17.Bf4 Qc5+ 18.Be3 Qb4 19.Bxb6 Qxb6+ 20.Kh1 Rd7 [20...Qxb2 21.Rb1 Qa3 22.Bxc4 Rb8-
/+] 21.Bxc4 Qc5 22.Bb3 Qd6 23.Rdf1 h5 24.Re3 Rc8 25.Ne4 [25.Qf3 Rf8=] 25...Nxe4
26.Rxe4 Bf6 [26...Bxb2-/+] 27.g4 hxg4 28.Qxg4 Kg7 29.c4 b5 30.Re6 [30.axb5 axb5 31.cxb5
Rh8=/+] 30...fxe6 31.Bc2 exd5 [31...Rxc4-+] 32.Qxg6+ Kf8 33.Rg1 Qe6 34.Bf5 Qf7 35.Qh6+
[35.Bxd7 Rxc4=] 35...Bg7 36.Qh7 Rxc4 37.Rf1 Rd6 38.Bd3 Rf6 0-1
Game 78 – Ragaa 7.Bg5 Nbd7
Hassan Ragaa played Mahmoud Kamel of Egypt. The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Kaulich
Variation 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 c5 could have reached the game
position after 6.d5 g6 7.Bg5 Nbd7. It is similar to the previous game had 7.Bg5 been played.
White did better play by castling queenside here. The pawn advance to d6 made this game stand
out. It was almost as if the pawn ran away from home and got lost. It did not disappear until
move 25 after which chances tilted heavily in Black’s favor.
Ragaa (1953) - Kamel (2223), Egypt Open 2016 Cairo EGY (2.26), 23.04.2016 begins 1.d4 d5
2.Nc3 c5 3.e4 dxe4 4.d5 Nf6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.f3 exf3 7.Nxf3 g6 8.d6 Bg7 [8...exd6 9.Nb5!?]
9.Qe2 e6 10.Nd5 0-0 11.Ne7+ Kh8 12.0-0-0 Qa5 13.Kb1 Nd5 [13...Qb4 14.c3=] 14.Nxd5
[14.c4+/=] 14...exd5 15.Rxd5 Nb6 16.Qd2 Qxd2 17.Rxd2 Bd7 18.Be7 Rfe8 19.Bd3 c4 20.Be4
c3 21.Rd3 cxb2 22.Nd4 [22.Bxb7 Rab8 23.Bd5=] 22...Rab8 23.h4 [23.Bf3 Be5=/+] 23...Nc8
24.h5 Nxe7 25.dxe7 Rxe7 26.Bf3 Kg8 27.Rhd1 b6 [27...Be8-/+] 28.c3 [28.Nc6 Bxc6 29.Bxc6
Rf8-/+] 28...Ba4 29.R1d2 [29.Nc6 Bxc6 30.Bxc6 Rc7-/+] 29...Bh6 [29...Re1+ 30.Kxb2 Bh6-+]
30.Rxb2 [30.Re2 Rxe2 31.Nxe2 Re8-/+] 30...Re1+ 0-1
5.Nxf3 Nc6
Game 79 – Rihouey 6.Bc4
Franck Rihouey won against Yann Saya in an event in France. They played a Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit Pietrowsky Variation 5.Nxf3 Nc6. I usually prefer to play 6.Bb5 to limit Black’s options.
The bishop may retreat later to Bd3 if Black plays 6...e6 and castles kingside. Rihouey played
6.Bc4 hitting key squares from d5 to e6 to f7. Both sides had chances. Black’s king position was
weak after 15.Rxf6 and 17.Rxh6. Eventually, White worked up a nice checkmate.
Rihouey (1827) - Saya, 2nd Espalion Open 2017 FRA (1.29), 15.07.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Nc6 6.Bc4 Bg4 7.Be3 [7.d5!?] 7...e6 8.0-0 Bd6 9.h3 Bxf3
[9...Bh5=/+] 10.Qxf3 0-0 11.Rad1 Qe7 12.Bg5 h6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Qxf6 gxf6 15.Rxf6
[15.Ne4+/=] 15...Nb4 [15...Nxd4 16.Rxh6 Nxc2=/+] 16.Bb3 Be7 17.Rxh6 Rad8 18.a3 Bg5
[18...Nc6 19.d5+/=] 19.Rh5 Be3+ 20.Kh1 Nc6 21.d5 exd5 22.Nxd5 Bd4 23.Rd3 [23.c3+-]
23...Bxb2 [23...Rfe8 24.Kh2+/=] 24.Rg3+ Bg7 25.Nf6# 1-0
BDG Declined
This covers after 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 without 4...exf3 and 1.d4 Nf6 with 2.f3 d5 or
2.Nc3 d5.
4.f3 Bf5
Game 80 – Hampel Wins 5.Bc4
Otto Blumel of the Czech Republic played Rudolf Hampel in this clash of veterans. Black
declined the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit with the Vienna 4…Bf5. The extra pawn helped Black
make strong threats. White’s king got into trouble, and Black won the Exchange.
Blumel (2061) - Hampel (1710), Ricany Open A 2016 Ricany CZE (1.15), 27.08.2016 begins
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 Bf5 5.Bc4 e6 6.Bg5 [6.fxe4 Nxe4 7.Nxe4 Bxe4 8.Nf3
Be7=/+] 6...Bb4 7.fxe4 [7.a3 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 Nbd7-/+] 7...Bxe4 8.Nf3 Nc6 [8...Bxf3! 9.gxf3
(9.Qxf3 Qxd4 10.Be2 Nc6 11.Rd1 Qe5-+) 9...Nc6 10.Bb5 Qd5! 11.Bxc6+ Qxc6 -/+] 9.a3 Bxf3
10.Qxf3 Nxd4 11.Qf2 Bxc3+ [11...Bc5! 12.Rd1 Bb6-/+] 12.bxc3 Nf5 13.Bd3 [13.0-0 0-0
14.Rad1 Qe7-/+] 13...Qd5 [13...Ng4!? 14.Qf4 Nfe3 15.Bxd8 Nxg2+ 16.Kd2 Nxf4 17.Bxc7
Nxd3 18.cxd3 0-0-/+] 14.0-0-0 Qa5?! [14...Ne4 15.Bxe4 Qxe4 16.Rhe1 Qg4 17.Bf4 Rc8-/+]
15.Bxf6 gxf6 16.g4? [16.Bxf5! Qxc3 17.Qh4 Qa1+ 18.Kd2 0-0-0+ 19.Bd3 Qb2 20.Qb4=]
16...Ne7 17.Qxf6 Qxa3+ 18.Kd2 0-0-0 19.Qxf7 Nd5 20.Qxe6+ Kb8 21.Qe5 Rhe8 22.Qg7 Qc5
[Black has a forced checkmate with 22...Nb6 23.Rb1 Nc4+ 24.Kd1 Qa2 25.Kc1 Rxd3 26.Qxc7+
Kxc7 27.Rxb7+ Kxb7 28.cxd3 Qb2+ 29.Kd1 Qd2#] 23.Qd4 Qe7 24.Kc1 Ne3 25.Qa4 Nxd1
26.Rxd1 Rd6 27.Rf1 Rf8 28.Rxf8+ Qxf8 29.g5 a6 30.Qe4 Qg7 31.h4 Qxc3 32.h5 Qa1+
33.Kd2 Qa5+ 34.Ke2 Qxg5 0-1
Game 81 – Spyrison 5.Bc4 e6
Jeffrey Allen Spyrison drew with John T. De Vries in a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Vienna
Variation 4...Bf5. It gives White four obvious choices: 5.Bc4, 5.Bg5, 5.g4, and 5.fxe4. The last
two pawn move options are reliable and good. Developing a bishop on move five is not the most
accurate, but sometimes it works. This Texas game sees two lower rated players agree to a draw
when Black had a force mate in three.
Spyrison - De Vries, Waco Janes Cup 2017 Waco USA (2.3), 14.01.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 Bf5 5.Bc4 e6 6.Be3 Be7 7.Qd2 0-0 8.h4 [8.0-0-0!?] 8...h5 9.Nh3 a6 10.0-
0-0 b5 11.Bb3 Nc6 12.Ng5 [12.fxe4 Nxe4 13.Nxe4 Bxe4 14.Ng5 Bg6=/+] 12...Na5 13.Rdg1
Nxb3+ 14.axb3 c5 15.fxe4 [15.Ncxe4!?] 15...Bg4 16.e5 Nd5 [16...cxd4 17.Qxd4 Nd7-/+]
17.Nxd5 [17.dxc5 Nxe3 18.Qxe3 Rc8=/+] 17...Qxd5 18.Nf3?! cxd4 19.Nxd4? [19.Qxd4 Qb7-
/+] 19...Rfd8 20.Qf2 Rac8 21.Nf3?! Qxb3! 22.Rd1 Qa2 23.c3 [Black has mate in three:
23...Rxc3+ 24.bxc3 Ba3+ 25.Qb2 Qxb2 mate] 1/2-1/2
Game 82 – Tumova Wins 5.Bg5
Anna Tumova was ranked number 9 for her age group in the Czech Republic. She defeated
Hibhia Ni Mhuireagain of Ireland in a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. They competed at the 2016
World Youth event held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. The girls reached the BDG from a
Scandinavian Defence. Tumova played 5.Bg5 which is the way Grandmaster Tartakower played
60 years ago. These girls played an interesting game.
Tumova (1711) - Ni Mhuireagain (1433), World Youth Girl U16 2016 Khanty-Mansiysk RUS
(10.27), 02.10.2016 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bg5 c6 [The best
continuation is 5...Nbd7 6.fxe4 Bxe4! 7.Bxf6 Nxf6 8.Nxe4 Nxe4 9.Nf3 e6=/+] 6.Bxf6! gxf6
[6...exf6 7.fxe4 Bg6 8.Qd3 Bd6 9.0-0-0 0-0=] 7.fxe4 Bg6 8.Qd2 [8.Qd3 Nd7 9.0-0-0=] 8...Qa5
[8...h5! 9.Qf2 Bh6 10.Bc4 Qb6 11.Bb3 Nd7 12.Nge2 0-0-0=/+] 9.Nf3 [9.0-0-0!?=] 9...h5 10.Bd3
Bh6 11.Qf2 Nd7 12.Nd2 [12.Rb1 0-0-0 13.b4=; 12.0-0 0-0-0 13.Rab1=] 12...Rg8 13.0-0-0 Nb6
[13...0-0-0 14.Kb1=] 14.Kb1 Bh7 [There is still time to get the king out of the center with 14...0-
0-0=] 15.d5! Bxd2 16.Rxd2 cxd5 17.Bb5+! Kf8 18.exd5 Rc8 [If 18...Nc8 19.Qf4 Nd6
20.Bd3+/-] 19.Bd3?! [This allows Black to escape. White's good play would reach its
culmination after 19.d6! exd6 20.Qxf6 Rg6 21.Qh8+ Bg8 22.Re2+-] 19...Bxd3?! [The correct
defense was the offensive 19...Rxc3! 20.Bxh7 Nc4 21.Re2 Rg4 22.d6 Nxd6=/+] 20.Rxd3 Rd8
21.d6 Nd7? 22.dxe7+ Kxe7 23.Nd5+ Kf8 24.Rf1 [24.Nf4!+-] 24...Ne5 25.Nxf6 Nxd3 26.cxd3
Rg7 Rd6 [27...Rg6!=/+] 28.Re1? [White slides the rook over to threaten mate. 28.Nxh5=]
28...Rxf6? [28...Qxe1+ 29.Qc1 Qxc1+ 30.Kxc1 Rxf6-+] 29.Qc8+ Qd8 30.Qxd8# 1-0
Game 83 – Rasmussen 5.fxe4 Nxe4
Ernst Rasmussen played this game with David Wight. Rasmussen was one of the top BDG
players in the USA decades ago during his prime. His rating was over 2000. Here we have a
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Vienna 4.f4 Bf5. Rather than grab another pawn on f3 Black chooses
to hold e4 for the moment. White could develop a bishop at this point. Rasmussen chose 5.fxe4.
Black played a common defence 7…Qc8. The battle was balanced until White blundered.
Rasmussen (1800) - Wight (1355), TCC Spring Champ, 07.12.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 Bf5 5.fxe4 Nxe4 6.Qf3 Nxc3 7.bxc3 Qc8 8.Bc4 [8.Bd3= is a good alternative.]
8...Be6 [8...e6 9.Ne2 Bd6 10.Ng3 Bg6 11.0-0 0-0 12.Rb1 Nc6 13.Ne4 b6=] 9.Bxe6 Qxe6+
10.Ne2 c6 11.0-0 Nd7 12.a4 [12.Rb1 b6=] 12...g6 [12...Qd5=] 13.Rb1 b6 14.Nf4 Qd6 15.Be3
[15.Ra1+/=] 15...Bg7 16.Nh3 [16.Nh5 0-0 17.Nxg7 Kxg7=] 16...f6 [16...0-0-/+] 17.Rbe1
[17.Bf4 Qd5=/+] 17...0-0 [17...e5 18.Rd1 Qe6=/+] 18.Bf4 [18.Rd1 Rfe8=/+] 18...e5 19.Bg3
Rae8 20.Qd3 Qd5 21.Bf2 [21.Qa6 f5-/+] 21...exd4 [21...f5-/+] 22.cxd4 Bh6 23.Qa6 g5 24.c4
[24.Kh1 g4=/+] 24...Qd6 [24...Qf7-/+] 25.Kh1 f5 26.c5 [26.Rxe8 Rxe8 27.Qxa7 g4=/+]
26...bxc5 [26...Qd5-/+] 27.dxc5 Nxc5 28.Qc4+ Ne6 29.Bxa7 Kh8 30.Rd1 Qc7 31.Bc5 Nxc5
32.Qxc5 Re5 33.Qd6 Qxd6 34.Rxd6 Kg7 35.Rxc6 g4 36.Nf2 Rf7 [36...Rd8=/+] 37.g3 Ra5
38.Rc4 Rfa7 39.Ra1 Bg5 40.Nd3 Bf6 41.Ra2 Rd5 42.Nf4 Rd1+ 43.Kg2 Rb7 44.Rac2 Rbb1
45.Ne2 Bd8 46.Rd4 Rxd4 47.Nxd4 Bb6 48.Ne2 Rb4 49.Ra2 Rb3 50.a5 Ba7 51.Rd2 Kf6
52.Nf4 Rb1 53.Ne2 [53.Rd6+ Ke7=] 53...Ke7 [53...Ra1=] 54.Rc2 Kd6 55.h3 gxh3+ 56.Kxh3
Ra1 57.Rd2+ Ke5 58.Rd7 Bc5 59.Rxh7? [59.a6 Rxa6 60.Rxh7=] 0-1
Game 84 – Saeed 6.Qf3 Nxc3
International Master Nasser Saeed played “kiramalu” in a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Vienna
4...Bf5. White chose Diemer’s favorite line 5.fxe4 Nxe4 6.Qf3. Black captured the knight
6...Nxc3. Instead of the natural recapture 7.bxc3, this time Saeed took the bishop. After the
opening Black stood better. White dragged out this blitz game because Black was short of time.
Saeed (2141) - kiramalu (2371), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 18.08.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3
Nf6 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 Bf5 5.fxe4 Nxe4 6.Qf3 Nxc3 7.Qxf5 Nd5 8.Nf3 [8.Qf2=] 8...e6 9.Qe4
[9.Qd3!?] 9...Nd7 10.Bd3 N7f6 11.Qh4 Nb4 12.0-0 Nxd3 13.cxd3 Be7 14.Kh1 0-0 15.Bg5 Nd5
16.Bxe7 Qxe7 17.Qh3 Rad8 18.Rae1 Nf4 19.Qg3 Nxd3 20.Re4 f5 21.Re2 Rf6 22.Ng5 [22.Qg5
Qd6-+] 22...Rg6 [22...Rxd4 23.Rd2 f4 24.Qf3 Ne5-+] 23.Qxd3 Qxg5 24.Qc4 c6 25.h3 h6
26.Rf3 Rd5 27.Rfe3 f4 28.Rxe6 Rxe6 29.Rxe6 f3 30.gxf3 Qf5 31.Re8+ Kf7 32.Qe2 [32.Re2
Qxf3+ 33.Kh2 Kf6-+] 32...Qxh3+ 33.Kg1 Rg5+ 34.Kf2 Rg2+ 35.Ke1 Qh4+ 36.Kd1 Qxd4+
37.Kc2 Qc4+ 38.Kd2 Rxe2+ 39.Rxe2 Qxa2 40.Kc3 Qa5+ 41.Kc2 Qc5+ 42.Kb1 Qc4 43.Rc2
Qd3 44.Kc1 h5 45.Rd2 Qc4+ 46.Kd1 Qf1+ 47.Kc2 h4 48.f4 h3 49.b4 Qxf4 50.Kd3 [White is
busted, but Black is very low on time. 50.Rd7+ Kg6 51.Rd1 h2-+] 50...Qxd2+ 51.Kxd2 h2
52.Kc3 h1Q 53.Kb3 Qd5+ 54.Kc3 Qb5 55.Kb3 g5 56.Kc3 g4 57.Kd4 g3 58.Ke3 g2 59.Kf2
Qf1+ 60.Ke3 g1Q+ 61.Ke4 Qg4+ 62.Ke3 Qgf4# 0-1
Game 85 – Saeed 6.Qf3 Nd6
International Master Nasser A. Saeed played against Peter Rothman of Sweden in the Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit Vienna. Rothman retreated the knight and continued 6...Nd6 7.Bf4 Qc8. The
queen protects b7 in case the Nd6 is removed. White started well but got into trouble after move
15. Black won the endgame with a queen and bishop against White’s two rooks.
Saeed (2015) - Rothman (2083), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 14.07.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3
Bf5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 Nf6 5.fxe4 Nxe4 6.Qf3 Nd6 7.Bf4 Qc8 8.h3 e6 9.0-0-0 c6 10.g4 Bg6 11.h4
h5 12.g5 Nd7 13.Bh3 Be7 14.Qg3 Nf5 15.Bxf5 [15.Qf2=] 15...Bxf5 16.Nf3 0-0 17.Ne5 Nxe5
18.Bxe5 Rd8 19.Qf3 Bg4 [19...Bb4 20.Qxh5 Bxc3 21.bxc3 Rd5=/+] 20.Qe4 [20.Qf4 Bxd1
21.Rxd1 Rd7=/+] 20...c5 21.Rdf1 Qc6 [21...Bf5-+] 22.d5 [22.Qf4 Rf8-/+] 22...exd5 23.Qf4 Qg6
24.Rfg1 Bf5 [24...d4 25.Ne4 Rd5-+] 25.Rh2 a6 26.Rf2 Be6 27.Rgg2 b5 28.Bf6 Rd7 29.Bxe7
Rxe7 30.Qd6 Rd7 31.Qxc5 d4 32.Ne2 d3 33.Nf4 [33.Nc3 Rad8-+] 33...Qe4 34.Nxd3 Rxd3
35.cxd3 Qe1+ 36.Kc2 Rc8 37.Qxc8+ Bxc8 38.g6 Be6 39.gxf7+ Bxf7 40.b3 Qa1 41.Kd2
Qxa2+ 42.Ke3 Qxb3 43.Rg5 Bc4 44.Rfg2 [If 44.Rd2 b4-+] 44...Qxd3+ 45.Kf2 Qd4+ 46.Ke1
Qxh4+ 47.Kd2 Qd4+ 48.Ke1 h4 49.Rxg7+ Qxg7 50.Rxg7+ Kxg7 51.Kf2 a5 White resigns 0-1
Game 86 – Herbrechtsmeier 7.Bf4 e6
FIDE Master Christof Herbrechtsmeier won a blitz game against the International Master using
the handle “Lotus-Eater”. The played a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Vienna 4.f3 Bf5. Black chose
a solid defense with 5.fxe4 Nxe4 6.Qf3 Nd6 7.Bf4 e6. White blasted open the center with 12.d5.
Black castled queenside. White’s attack continued until he forced checkmate.
Herbrechtsmeier (2133) - Lotus-Eater (2052), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 07.11.2015 begins
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 Bf5 5.fxe4 Nxe4 6.Qf3 Nd6 7.Bf4 e6 8.0-0-0 Nd7 9.g4 Bg6
10.Qe3 [10.h4=] 10...c6 [10...Nf6=/+] 11.Nf3 Qa5 12.d5 cxd5 13.Rxd5 Qc7 14.Bb5 0-0-0
15.Bxd7+ Qxd7 16.Rc5+ Kb8 17.Rd1 a6 [17...f6 18.Nb5+-] 18.Ne5 Qe8 19.Nc4 e5 20.Bxe5
Ka8 [20...f6 21.Nxd6 Rxd6 22.Bxd6+ Bxd6 23.Qxe8+ Bxe8 24.Rxd6+-] 21.Nd5 [21.Nb5 Qxb5
22.Rxb5+-] 21...Nxc4 [21...Kb8 22.Nc7+-] 22.Rxc4 [22.Nc7+! Kb8 23.Nxe8+ Nd6 24.Nxd6
Bxd6 25.Rxd6 Rxd6 26.Bxd6+ Ka8 27.Rc7+-] 22...Qb5 [22...Rxd5 23.Rxd5+-] 23.Nb6+
[23.Nc7+! Kb8 24.Rxd8#] 23...Ka7 [23...Qxb6 24.Qxb6+-] 24.Nc8+ Ka8 25.Qa7# Black
checkmated 1-0
4.f3 Bf5 5.g4 Bg6
Game 87 – Normand 6.g5 Nh5
Nicolas Normand won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Vienna vs “yaqootwahba”. Normand wrote
(in part):
“Mr. Sawyer, I am a 40-year-old French chess player. I have been playing chess since I am 15
but in chess tournament for only 3 years. I am a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit player as White,
especially Ryder Gambit. I tend to be a fan of Emil J. Diemer, Bill Wall's and Tom Purser's
works and games. Maybe we could share some games. I thank you in advance. Nicolas
“PS: I have already most of your books that I enjoy...”
Thank you, Nicolas Normand. In his game, White won a piece when Black fell into his trap.
Normand - yaqootwahba, Live Chess Chess.com (6), 25.12.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 Bf5 5.g4 Bg6 6.g5 Nh5!? [Black does better with 6...Nd5 7.Nxe4=] 7.fxe4 [I
used to play 7.f4 e5!=; Komodo also likes 7.Be3=] 7...f6? [Black blunders a piece. Correct is
7...e5 8.Nf3 exd4 9.Qxd4 Qxd4 10.Nxd4 Bc5 11.Nf5 Nc6 12.Bd2 0-0-0 13.0-0-0=] 8.Be2! [This
seems stronger than 8.Bb5+ c6 9.Be2+-] 8...e6 [Now Black spent over a minute thinking. There
is no way to wiggle out of trouble. 8...e5 9.Bxh5+-] 9.Bxh5 fxg5 10.Bxg6+ hxg6 11.Qg4 Qe7
12.Bxg5 Qd7 13.0-0-0 Be7 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qxg6+ Kd7 [Black is down a piece after 15...Qf7
16.Qxf7+ Kxf7 17.Nf3+-] 16.Nf3 Nc6 17.d5! [White opens line to the Black king.] 17...Ne5
18.dxe6+ Kc8 19.Nxe5 Rh6 [The two extra knights make power checkmate threats. If 19...Qf6
20.e7 Qxe7 21.Qg4+ Kb8 22.Nd7+ Kc8 23.Nb5+-] 20.Nd5 Qd6 21.Qe8+ Qd8 22.Ne7+ Kb8
23.Nd7# 1-0
Game 88 – Richter 6.g5 Nd5
Gunter Brunold reminded me that Kurt Paul Otto Joseph Richter played the BDG Vienna
Kampars Gambit decades before Nikolajs Kampars did. Black was Simon Rotenstein.
“All hail, Tim! “Born on September 4th 1903, Nikolajs Kampars would have been one hundred
and thirteen (113) years old…”
Brunold cited books by Alfred Freidl, Gary Lane, Niels Jørgen Jensen, Dr. Georg F. Weber, and
Rev. Tim Sawyer (two books) regarding the Kampars Gambit. Then Gunter Brunold pointed out
that it had been played thirty years earlier by the German International Master Kurt Paul Otto
Joseph Richter in his game against Simon Rotenstein. Our chess friend Gunter Brunold added, “I
think that Kampars didn't know of the existence of this game, so the name "Kampars Gambit" is
justifiable.” Yes, I agree. We have that one Richter game. Nick Kampars played 7.fxe4 (as well
as 7.Nxe4) several times and promoted it.
Richter - Rotenstein, BEM 1932 Berlin (4), 1932 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 Bf5
5.g4 Bg6 6.g5 Nd5 7.fxe4!? [Kampars Gambit. Or 7.Nxe4=] 7...Nxc3 8.bxc3 Bxe4 9.Nf3 e5
[9...e6!=/+] 10.Bc4 [10.Qe2 Qd5 11.Bg2 f5=] 10...Nc6 11.0-0 [11.Qe2! Bxf3 12.Qxf3 Qd7 13.0-
0 0-0-0 14.Qg2=] 11...Qd7 [11...Bd5 12.Qe2 Bxc4 13.Qxc4 Qe7 14.Qb5 Qd7 15.d5 Nb8
16.Qxb7 Bc5+ 17.Kh1 c6 18.Qxa8 0-0 19.Rb1 Qh3 20.Bd2 e4 21.Nd4 Bxd4 22.cxd4 e3 23.Bxe3
Qxe3 24.Qxb8 Qe4+ 25.Kg1 Qxd4+ 26.Rf2 f5 27.Qb2 Qxd5 28.Qb3 g6 29.Qxd5+ cxd5 30.Rd2
Rd8 31.Rbd1 1-0 Bohley - Warren, corr USCF 1964] 12.Qe1 [12.Bxf7+? Qxf7 13.Nxe5 Qd5!-+]
12...Qg4+ 13.Qg3 Qxg3+ 14.hxg3 0-0-0 15.Nxe5 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Bc5+ 17.Kh2 Rhe8 18.Rxf7
Rd1 19.Bf1 [19.Rf1 Rxf1 20.Bxf1 Rxe5=/+] 19...Bd5 [19...Rf8!-+] 20.Bh3+ Kb8 21.Rf1 Rxf1
22.Bxf1 Rxe5 23.Bf4 Re8 24.Rd1 Bc6 25.Bg2 Bxg2 26.Kxg2 Kc8 27.Rh1 h6 28.gxh6 gxh6
29.Kf3 Bf8 30.Bxh6 Bxh6 31.Rxh6 Rf8+ 32.Kg2 Kd7 33.Rh4 Rf6 34.Rd4+ Ke7 35.Rc4 c6
36.Re4+ Kd6 37.g4 Kd5 38.Re7 Rf4 [38...b5 39.Rxa7+/=] 39.Kg3 Rc4 [39...Rf1 40.Rxb7+/-]
40.Re3 Ra4 41.g5 Kd6 42.g6 1-0
Game 89 – TheCurse 6.h4 exf3
Lev Zilbermints sent me this game where “TheCurse” won against “Manooura” in the Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit Vienna after 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 exf3. After White blundered on move 10, Black was
winning. A blunder on move 25 put White up a knight in the endgame.
TheCurse (1773) - Manooura (1800), Live Chess Chess.com, 28.06.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 Bf5 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 exf3 7.h5 Be4 8.Nxe4 Nxe4 9.Qxf3 Qxd4 10.Be3?
[10.Ne2!=] 10...Qxb2 11.Qxe4 Qxa1+ 12.Kf2 Nc6 13.Bb5 Qf6+ 14.Nf3 e5 [14...0-0-0! 15.Bxc6
Qxc6-+] 15.g5 [15.Rd1 Ba3-/+] 15...Qe6 16.Nxe5 [16.Bc4 Qd6-/+] 16...Bd6 [16...0-0-0!-+]
17.Bxc6+ bxc6 18.Qxc6+ Ke7 19.Bc5 [19.Re1!] 19...Rhd8 [19...Qf5+ 20.Kg2 Qxg5+ 21.Kf2
Qf5+ 22.Kg2 Qxc2+ 23.Kh3 Qf5+ 24.Kg2 Rhc8-+] 20.Qxc7+ Kf8 21.Bxd6+ Rxd6 22.Qc5
[22.g6 fxg6 23.hxg6 Rc8-+] 22...Kg8 [22...Rc8-+] 23.Nf3 Re8 [23...Rc6-+] 24.Re1 Rd2+
25.Kg3 Qd7? [25...Re2! 26.Rxe2 Qxe2 27.Qxa7 Qxc2-+] 26.Rxe8+ Qxe8 27.Nxd2 Qe1+
28.Qf2 Qe5+ [28...Qe7 29.Qf4+-] 29.Qf4 Qe1+ 30.Kf3 Qd1+ 31.Ke3 [31.Kf2 Kf8 32.g6+-]
31...Qe1+ [31...h6 32.gxh6+-] 32.Kd3 Qe8 33.Qd6 h6 34.gxh6 gxh6 35.Ne4 Qb5+ 36.c4 Qb1+
37.Ke3 Qe1+ 38.Kf3 Qh1+ 39.Ke3 Qh3+ 40.Qg3+ Qxg3+ 41.Nxg3 Kg7 42.Kf4 Kf6 43.c5
Ke6 44.a4 Kd5 45.Ne4 Kc6 46.Ke5 a5 47.Kd4 f6 48.Nxf6 1-0
Game 90 – Zilbermints 6.h4 exf3
Lev Zilbermints won a game against International Master Christian Toth of Brazil. The players
handled this Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Vienna 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 exf3 more accurately than the
previous game. After 12 moves, Black had five pawns for a bishop. White’s big lead in
development gave him good chances. It’s not easy to handle this defense at blitz speed. White
won a short game with a quick checkmate.
Zilbermints (2037) - Toth (2143), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 22.06.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 Bf5 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 exf3 7.Qxf3 c6 8.h5 Bxc2 9.Rh2 Qxd4 10.Be3
Qxg4 11.Rxc2 Qxf3 12.Nxf3 Nxh5 13.0-0-0 Nd7 [13...Nf6 14.Ne5 e6 15.Bg2+/=] 14.Nb5 cxb5
15.Bxb5 [15.Ne5+-] 15...Nhf6 16.Ne5 Rd8 [16...a6 17.Bxd7+ Nxd7 18.Nxd7+/-] 17.Nxd7
Nxd7 18.Bxd7+ Rxd7 19.Rc8+ Rd8 20.Rdxd8# Black checkmated 1-0
Game 91 – Zilbermints 6.h4 h6
Lev Zilbermints makes it his regular practice to defeat title players in online blitz games. Lev
specializes in offbeat tricky lines that frequently win vs humans. Often Zilbermints beats several
masters in a day. Sometimes he knocks off grandmasters. Detractors may say, it's only blitz. But
frankly, most chess games today are played at blitz speed. Math nerds may point out that
computers calculating without emotion can find more accurate lines. True. But Lev Zilbermints
gets to feel the joy of victory. How many chess masters did you beat this week? Most of us want
chess to be fun. It is fun for Lev Zilbermints. He takes on Antonio Hernando, a FIDE Candidate
Master from Spain. These same two players have often played this BDG Vienna 4.f3 Bf5 in the
Hara-Kiri Attack 5.g4 Bg6 with 6.h4. The theory is slightly in Black’s favor after 6...h6! Either
side can win as Zilbermints has proven. Here is one in favor of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
Zilbermints (2105) - Hernando (2302), ICC 3 2 u Internet Chess Club, 24.03.2016 begins 1.d4
d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5 4.f3 Nf6 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 h6 7.Nh3 [7.fxe4 Nxe4 8.Qf3 Nxc3 9.bxc3
c6=/+] 7...exf3 [After this White has compensation for the pawn. Instead Black stands better with
7...Nc6!-/+] 8.Qxf3 c6 9.Be3!? [9.Nf4!=] 9...Bxc2 [9...Nd5=/+] 10.Rh2 Bh7 11.g5 [11.Rf2!?]
11...hxg5 12.hxg5 Nd5 13.Bc4?! [13.Nf4 Be4 14.Qxe4 Rxh2 15.g6!=] 13...e6 14.Rf2 Bg6
15.Bxd5 exd5 [Black should play 15...cxd5! 16.Nf4 Bf5 17.Nfxd5 Rh3-+] 16.Nf4 Be4
[16...Qd7!-/+] 17.Nxe4 dxe4 18.Qxe4+ Be7? [18...Qe7 19.Qf3=] 19.0-0-0 Na6 20.g6 0-0
21.gxf7+ Rxf7 22.Rh1 Rf6 23.Qh7+ [Or 23.Ng6!+-] 23...Kf7 24.Qh5+ Kg8 25.Ne6 Qe8
26.Qh7+ Kf7 27.Ng5+ Kf8 28.Qh8# Black is checkmated 1-0
Game 92 – Fleischmann 6.h4 h6
Andre Fleischmann plays the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit with success at a high rating level.
Andre provided notes to this game vs “banane”, I quote some of his comments that I edit for
space.
"Hello Mr. Sawyer, I like the BDG and had played many games of it. In the last time, I used your
posted idea from Lev Zilbermints with Nh3 in the not accepted Bf5 line. All the best, Andre"
I have preferred 6.g5 Nd5 7.Nxe4 e5 8.dxe5 Nc6 as White. I continued 9.Bc4 Ndb4 10.Bf4 Qd4
11.Qxd4 with equal chances. My thinking was that 11...Nxc2+ 12.Kf2 Ncxd4 13.Ne2 gives equal
material and rough equality. I respect Andre. He indicated that this 6.g5 line slightly favors
Black. I won’t disagree.
Fleischmann - banane, LLucmajor (4), 11.05.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3
Bf5 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 [6.g5 Nd5 7.Nxe4 e5 8.dxe5 Nc6=/+] 6...h6 7.Nh3 exf3 8.Qxf3 c6 9.Be3
[9.Nf4 Bxc2 10.Rh2 (10.Qg2 Bh7 11.g5 Qxd4 (11...Nd5 12.Ncxd5 cxd5 13.g6 fxg6 14.Nxg6
Rg8) 12.gxf6 exf6) 10...Bh7 11.g5 hxg5 12.hxg5 Be4 13.Nxe4 Rxh2 14.gxf6 exf6] 9...e6 10.Nf4
Bh7 11.0-0-0 Bb4 12.g5 Nd5 13.Ncxd5 cxd5 14.g6 Bxg6 15.Nxg6 fxg6 16.Bd3 Qf6 17.Qg4
Nd7 18.Rdf1 Qe7 19.Qxg6+ Kd8 20.Rf7 Qd6 21.Qxg7 Kc7 22.Bf4 e5 23.dxe5 Qb6 24.e6+ 1-
0 [Notes by Andre]
Game 93 – Cobra Kai 6.h4 h5
Lev Zilbermints sent me this game which shows the practical nature of his approach against the
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Declined Vienna Variation 4.f3 Bf5. Lev likes to play the Gunderam
Attack with 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4. Often White gets a strong attack. Zilbermints has won many games
vs strong players in this line. Here White used the handle “SweepxthexLeg”, which alludes to the
Cobra Kai in the classic Karate Kid movie. When Black as “JulyZerg” failed to react with the
most accurate moves, White mounted an attack. Halfway into the game White took over the e6
square with 17.Qxe6+ and Black was in trouble. White wrapped it up with checkmate to finish
off Black.
SweepxthexLeg (1608) - JulyZerg (1619), Live Chess Chess.com, 30.12.2016 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 Bf5 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 h5 7.g5 Nfd7 8.Bf4 exf3 [More critical is the line
8...e5 9.dxe5 Nc6=/+] 9.Nxf3 e6 10.d5 Bb4 11.dxe6 fxe6 12.Bc4 Bf5 [12...0-0=/+] 13.0-0 Bg4
14.Qd4? [14.Qd3=] 14...0-0 [Black has a strong response with 14...Bc5!-+] 15.Qe4 Bf5
[15...Nc5=/+] 16.Bxe6+ Bxe6 17.Qxe6+ Kh8 18.Nd5 Bc5+ 19.Kh2 c6 [19...Nc6 20.Rae1+/-]
20.Nf6 [20.Be5!+-] 20...gxf6 21.g6 Kg7 22.Qf5 Rh8? [22...Qa5=] 23.Rad1 Qe8 24.Rfe1 Qc8
[24...Qxg6 25.Rg1+-] 25.Ng5 Ne5 26.Ne6+ Kg8 27.Rd8+ Qxd8 28.Nxd8 Ng4+ 29.Kg3 Na6
30.Re8+ Kg7 31.Qd7+ Kxg6 32.Rxh8 f5 33.Qh7+ Kf6 34.Qf7# 1-0
Lev Zilbermints drew against the International Master Dr. Stefan Wehmeier of Germany. This
game was a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Vienna Gunderam Attack with 6.h4 h5. Early tactics gave
Black a passed pawn on d4 by move 13. White’s pieces were too active for Black to make use of
his extra pawn. Draw agreed.
Zilbermints (2039) - Wehmeier (1994), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 16.08.2017 begins 1.d4
d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 Bf5 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 h5 7.g5 Nd5 8.Nxe4 e6 9.a3 Nd7 10.Ne2 c5
11.c4 N5b6 12.Nf4 [12.b4!?] 12...Bxe4 13.fxe4 cxd4 14.g6 e5 15.gxf7+ Kxf7 16.Nd5 Be7
[16...Nxd5 17.exd5=] 17.Nxe7 Qxe7 18.Bg5 Nf6 19.Qf3 [19.c5 Qxc5 20.Rc1=] 19...Nbd7
20.Bh3 Rad8 [20...Rac8 21.c5=] 21.0-0 Kg8 [21...Ke8 22.Rac1=] 22.b4 Rf8 23.c5 Qe8
24.Qb3+ Kh7 25.Qd3 Game drawn by mutual agreement [25.Bf5+ g6 26.Be6+/=] 1/2-1/2
Lev Zilbermints drew a game with Candidate Master Antonio Hernando of Spain. For their
previous game with 6.h4 h6, see Game 91. Early is this game both sides misses chances. White
was better at first. Then Black got an edge. They reached a queen endgame where both kings
were vulnerable to constant checks.
Zilbermints (1907) - Hernando (2302), ICC 3 2 u Internet Chess Club, 14.08.2017 begins 1.d4
d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5 4.f3 Nf6 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 h5 7.g5 Nd5 8.Nxe4 c6 9.a3 e6 10.Ne2 Bf5
11.N2g3 g6 [11...Bg6 12.c4+/=] 12.Nxf5 [12.c4+-] 12...exf5 13.Nc3 Nxc3 14.bxc3 Bd6 15.f4
[15.Qe2+ Kf8=] 15...0-0 16.Kf2 Qc7 17.Qf3 Re8 18.Bc4 [18.Kg3 Nd7=/+] 18...Nd7 19.Bd2
Nf8 [19...Nb6-/+] 20.a4 [20.Kg3 Re7=/+] 20...Ne6 21.Bxe6 fxe6 [21...Rxe6-/+] 22.Rhe1 Kf7
[22...Rad8=] 23.c4 c5 24.d5 e5 25.fxe5 Bxe5 26.Rab1 Bd4+ 27.Kg2 b6 [27...Rxe1 28.Rxe1=]
28.Bf4 [28.Re6+/=] 28...Qd7 29.Re6 Re7 [29...Qxa4 30.Qe2 Kg7=] 30.Rbe1 [30.c3+-]
30...Rae8 31.Bd6 [31.c3=] 31...Rxe6 32.dxe6+ Rxe6 33.Rxe6 Qxe6 34.Qb7+ Kg8 35.Qb8+
Kh7 36.Qxa7+ Bg7 37.Bf8 Qe2+ [37...Qe4+!-+] 38.Kg1 Qe1+ 39.Kg2 Qe2+ 40.Kg1 Qg4+
41.Kf1 Qxc4+ 42.Kg1 Qg4+ 43.Kf1 Qd1+ 44.Kg2 Qxc2+ 45.Kf1 Qd1+ 46.Kg2 Qe2+ 47.Kg1
Qd1+ 48.Kg2 Qd2+ 49.Kg1 Qd4+ 50.Kg2 c4 [50...Qe4+!-+] 51.Bxg7 Qxg7 52.Qxb6 c3
53.Qc5 Qb7+ 54.Kf2 Qb2+ 55.Ke3 c2 56.Qe7+ Kg8 57.Qe8+ Kg7 58.Qe7+ Kg8 59.Qe8+
Kg7 60.Qe7+ Kg8 61.Qe8+ Game drawn by repetition 1/2-1/2
Game 96 – Fleischmann 6.h4 h5
Andre Fleischmann used some Lev Zilbermints ideas. Here Andre won against “magnolia82”.
The opening was a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Vienna 6.h4 h5. He encountered 6.h4 h6 in Game
92. White began with 1.e4 and transposed to the BDG after 1...d5. Some things that stand out in
this game is the queenside fianchetto 15, the temporary queen sacrifice 27.Qxg6, and the
endgame after move 30. White kept his pawn on g5 while winning both Black’s pawns on g6 and
g7.
Fleischmann - magnolia82, LLucmajor (4), 11.05.2016 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6
4.f3 Bf5 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 h5 7.g5 Nd5 8.Nxe4 e6 9.Nh3 Nc6 10.Bb5 a6 11.Bxc6+ bxc6 12.0-0
Be7 13.c4 Nb6 14.b3 0-0 15.Bb2 Nc8 16.Nf4 Nd6 17.Nc5 [17.Qe1] 17...Nf5 18.Nxg6 Bxc5
19.Nxf8 Bxf8 20.f4 Nxh4 21.Qxh5 Ng6 22.Rf3 Bd6 23.Raf1 c5 24.Rh3 Kf8 25.f5 exf5
26.Rxf5 Qe7 27.Qxg6 Qe1+ 28.Rf1 Qxf1+ 29.Kxf1 fxg6 30.d5 [30.Rh8+] 30...Kf7 31.Rf3+
Ke7 32.Kg2 Rf8 33.Re3+ Kd7 34.Re6 Rf5 35.Rxg6 Rf7 36.Rxg7 Rxg7 37.Bxg7 Ke8 38.Bf6
Kf7 39.Kf3 Kg6 40.Kg4 1-0 [Notes by Andre]
4.f3 e3
Game 97 – Saeed 5...g6 6.Qd2
International Master Nasser A. Saeed won against “bariton” in a Blackmar-Diemer
Langeheinecke 4...e3. Black chose 5.Bxe3 g6. White castled queenside and attacked along the h-
file. Play resembled a Sicilian Defence Dragon Variation. Black was busted at the end. White
threatened 24.Nxd7+ and Black resigned.
Saeed (2088) - bariton (2123), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 22.05.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3
Nf6 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 e3 5.Bxe3 g6 6.Qd2 Bg7 7.0-0-0 0-0 8.Bh6 Nbd7 [8...Bxh6 9.Qxh6+/=] 9.h4
c6 10.h5 Re8 11.hxg6 fxg6 12.Bc4+ e6 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.Qh6+ Kg8 15.Nh3 Qe7 16.Ng5 Nb6
[16...Nf8 17.Nce4+-] 17.Bb3 Qg7 18.Qh4 [18.Nce4+-] 18...Nbd5 19.Nce4 Bd7 20.Bxd5 Nxd5
[20...exd5 21.Nxf6+ Qxf6 22.Qxh7+ Kf8 23.f4+-] 21.Nxh7 [21.Qxh7+ Qxh7 22.Rxh7+-] 21...b5
22.Nef6+ Nxf6 23.Nxf6+ Kf8 Black resigns 1-0
Game 98 – Drill Defeats 5…g6
Frank Drill wins another Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. He also won Game 54 in a BDG Euwe. This
variation is the Langeheinecke 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 e3. Naturally, White recaptures
5.Bxe3. A curiosity is that this line can also arise from a Trompowsky after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 Ne4
3.Bf4 d5 4.f3 Nf6 5.e4 dxe4 6.Nc3 e3 7.Bxe3. Both sides would have played two more moves to
reach the same position. Here Black defended with 5…g6. This line reminds me of a BDG
Bogoljubow after 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 g6. In the 6.Bf4 or 6.Bg5 variations White often plays Qd2
and Bh6 as Drill did here. The attack was like a Sicilian Dragon. Clemens Beinrucker of
Germany played the Black pieces. When I glanced at some of his games I found Beinrucker
played 1.e4 as White and the Dragon and Nimzo-Indian as Black. I imagine Beinrucker did not
plan to face a Blackmar-Diemer in this tournament. In any case Black returned the gambit pawn
in the hope to survive or even outplay his higher rated opponent. It is amazing how beautiful
some Blackmar-Diemer Gambits are. Frank Drill’s play flowed simply and beautifully. Each of
the White moves had a clear purpose. The result is a short sharp victory.
Drill (2043) - Beinrucker, XVIII Rhein-Main-Open Bad Homburg GER (5.38), 06.06.2015
begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 e3 5.Bxe3 g6 6.Qd2 Bg7 7.0-0-0 0-0 8.Bh6 Re8
[8...Nc6 9.d5 Bxh6 10.Qxh6+/=; 8...Bxh6 9.Qxh6 Nc6 10.h4+/-] 9.h4 e5 10.d5 [10.Nge2+/-]
10...e4 [10...c6 11.Bxg7 Kxg7 12.h5+-] 11.h5 [11.Bxg7 e3 12.Qd4 Kxg7 13.g4+/-] 11...exf3
12.hxg6 fxg6 13.Bxg7 [13.Nxf3+-] 13...Kxg7 [13...fxg2 14.Bxg2+-] 14.Qh6+ Kg8 15.d6 cxd6
16.Nxf3 Be6 17.Ng5 Qc7 18.Re1 Bf7 19.Nce4 Rxe4 20.Rxe4 Bxa2 21.Nxh7 1-0
Game 99 – Jay Bonin 5.Bxe3 Bf5
IM Jay Bonin faced the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit at the Nassau Chess Club Blitz event on
August 29, 2016. Lev Zilbermints won the game with the White pieces. These two have played
before. International Master Jay Richard Bonin is one of the most active chess players of all
time. Bonin has played thousands of USCF tournaments and thousands of blitz games both live
and online. Jay Bonin has routinely declined the BDG with 4...Nc6, 4...c5, 4...e5 or here 4...e3.
Lev Zilbermints has defeated countless titled masters with this gambit. Here is another.
Zilbermints (2183) - Bonin (2420), Nassau Chess Club Blitz 29.08.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.f3
d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 e3 [Lev wrote: "Chicken!" Bonin laughed.] 5.Bxe3 Bf5 6.g4 Bg6 7.Nge2
Nc6 8.h4!? [This move is optically dangerous for Black. However this move leaves c2 more
vulnerable. Good White alternatives are 8.a3 or 8.Nf4.] 8...h5? [8...Nb4 9.Rc1=] 9.Nf4 e5
10.Nxg6 fxg6 11.g5 [11.Qd3! Bb4 12.0-0-0+/-] 11...Nd7? [11...exd4! 12.Bd3 Bb4 13.Bxg6+
Kf8 14.Bxd4 Qxd4 15.Qxd4 Nxd4 16.gxf6 Nxf3+ 17.Ke2=] 12.Qd3 Ne7 13.0-0-0 c6 14.Bh3
Nf5 15.dxe5 Qc7 [15...Nxe5 16.Qe4+-] 16.f4 [Or 16.Bxf5 gxf5 17.Qxf5 Nxe5 18.Bf4+-] 16...0-
0-0 17.Bxf5 gxf5 18.Qxf5 Bb4 [18...Be7 19.Rhe1+-] 19.e6 Nb6 [19...Rhf8 20.exd7+ Rxd7
21.Qxd7+ Qxd7 22.Rxd7 Kxd7 23.Rd1+ Kc7 24.Bd4+- and White is be up a knight.] 20.e7+
Rd7 21.Bxb6 axb6 22.Rhe1 Re8 23.a3 Bxe7 [23...Bxc3 24.bxc3 g6 25.Rxd7 Qxd7 26.Qxg6
Rxe7 27.Rxe7 Qxe7 28.Kb2 Kd8 29.Qxh5+- and White has three extra passed pawns.] 24.Kb1
[24.Na4!+-] 24...b5 25.Rd4 Rf8 26.Qe6 Rfd8 27.Red1 Bd6 28.f5 [White did not have time to
find 28.Rxd6!+-] 28...Kb8 29.f6 gxf6 30.gxf6 Ka7 31.Ne4 Black resigned. 1-0
Lev Zilbermints won this game against “Doctor67” in a BDG Langeheinecke 4...e3. Material
was even when Zilbermints played 12.g6 to weaken Black’s kingside. White mounted an attack
that culminated in winning big material with a rook check on the final move.
Zilbermints (2033) - Doctor67 (1901), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 21.08.2017 begins 1.d4
Nf6 2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 e3 5.Bxe3 Bf5 6.g4 Bg6 7.Nge2 e6 8.h4 h5 9.Nf4 Bh7 10.g5 Nd5
11.Ncxd5 exd5 12.g6 [12.Nxh5!?] 12...Bxg6 13.Nxg6 fxg6 14.Qd3 Qd6 15.0-0-0 Nd7 [15...Be7
16.Re1+/=] 16.Bg5 Kf7 17.Rg1 [17.Re1!+-] 17...Be7 [17...Re8 18.Kb1+/-] 18.Kb1 [18.Bxe7!
Qxe7 19.Qxg6+ Kg8 20.Qg3+-] 18...Rhf8 [18...Bxg5 19.Rxg5+/-] 19.Bxe7 Kxe7 [19...Qxe7
20.Qxg6+ Kg8 21.Bd3+-] 20.Rxg6 Nf6 21.Bh3 [21.Rxg7+ Kd8 22.Qf5+-] 21...Rae8 22.Rxg7+
Rf7 23.Qg6 [23.Rg6+-] 23...Ref8? [23...Rxg7 24.Qxg7+ Kd8 25.a3+/-] 24.Re1+ Black resigns
1-0
Game 101 – Luc Henris 8.h4 h6
FIDE Master Luc Henris of Belgium is known for his extensive work on the Albin-Counter
Gambit. It makes sense that an Albin player might try an occasional Blackmar-Diemer since the
two gambits resemble each other. Henris won this BDG Langeheinecke against Olivier Potaux in
what began as a Scandinavian Defence 1.e4 d5 2.d4!? dxe4. Some of my best Blackmar-Diemer
Gambits began this way. Black declined the BDG with the Langeheinecke after 4.f3 e3. This is a
common response by humans over the board. Chess engines never give back this gambit pawn,
but computers do not feel the fear that sneaks up and grabs a person in the pit of his stomach
when surprised by the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Master Henris played this game well. White’s
kingside attack led to a successful checkmate on move 21.
Henris (2325) - Potaux, Open Le Touquet FRA (4), 29.10.2002 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3
Nf6 4.f3 e3 5.Bxe3 Bf5 6.Nge2 e6 [6...Nc6 7.g4 Bg6 8.a3+/=] 7.g4 Bg6 8.h4 h6 [8...h5 9.Nf4+/-
] 9.Nf4 Bh7 [9...Bd6 10.Nxg6 Bg3+ 11.Kd2 fxg6 12.Bd3 0-0 13.Qg1 e5 14.Ne2+-] 10.g5 hxg5
[10...Nd5 11.Nfxd5 exd5 12.gxh6 gxh6 13.Qe2 c6 14.0-0-0+/-] 11.hxg5 Bxc2 12.Qxc2
[12.Rxh8!? Bxd1 13.Rxd1 Nd5 14.Nfxd5 exd5 15.Kf2+/-] 12...Rxh1 13.gxf6 gxf6 [13...Qxf6
14.0-0-0+/-] 14.0-0-0 c6 15.d5 Rxf1 16.Rxf1 cxd5 17.Re1 Be7 [17...d4 18.Nxe6 fxe6 19.Qg6+
Kd7 20.Bxd4+-] 18.Qh7 [18.Rh1+-] 18...Nd7 [18...Nc6 19.Qg8+ Kd7 20.Qxf7+-] 19.Nxe6 fxe6
[19...Nf8 20.Ng7+ Kd7 21.Qf5+ Ne6 22.Bf4+-] 20.Qg6+ Kf8 21.Bh6# 1-0
Game 102 – Bondick 5.Bxe3 e6
Karl-Heinz Bondick of Germany played International Master Edwin Bhend of Switzerland. My
heart skips a beat when I see Bhend mentioned. I remember being in Graham Cooper’s dorm
room in 1972-73 where we played blitz chess. He showed me his book collection including a
Bhend book in German on Kings Gambit. Cooper used that opening to become a master. Karl
Bondick is another player who gives us exciting BDG games from time to time. White could
have equalized on move 8. He sacrificed his d-pawn on move 9. IM Bhend pushed his f-pawn to
15...f5 and 18...f4. Black attacked kingside in a Kings Gambit style and won.
Bondick (2055) - Bhend (2169), World Senior Teams +65 Radebeul GER (8.11), 03.07.2016
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 e3 5.Bxe3 e6 6.Bb5+ Bd7 7.Bd3 Nc6 8.a3 [8.Nge2=]
8...Nd5 9.Bd2 [9.Nxd5 exd5 10.Qd2=] 9...Nxd4 10.Ne4 Be7 11.Nh3 e5 12.Nhf2 0-0 13.c3 Nf5
14.Qc1 Nh4 15.0-0 f5 16.Ng3 Kh8 17.c4 Nf6 [17...Nf4! 18.Bxf4 exf4 19.Qxf4 Bd6-/+] 18.Re1
f4 19.Nge4 c6?! [19...Nxe4! 20.Nxe4 Bg4-/+] 20.Bc3 Bf5 21.Bxe5 Nxe4 22.fxe4? [22.Bxe4!
Bd6 23.Bxd6 Qxd6 24.Bxf5 Rxf5 25.Kh1=] 22...Bc5 23.Bf1? [23.exf5 Qxd3 24.Qc3 Qxc3
25.Bxc3 Nxf5-/+] 23...Be6 24.b4 [24.Qc3 Qg5-+] 24...Nf3+ 25.gxf3 Qg5+ 26.Kh1 Bxf2 0-1
Game 103 – Saeed 5.Bxe3 e6
Two International Masters pair up in an ICC contest between Nasser Saeed of UAE and Andrey
Petelin of Russia. Black declines the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit pawn with 4.f3 e3 5.Bxe3 e6.
White built up a very nice position without being down a pawn. He could have had an advantage
with 12.Ne4. Instead, the tempting advance 12.g5 loosened White’s pawn chain. Eventually,
Black won the h5 pawn, won a bishop, and won the endgame.
Saeed (2128) - Petelin (2210), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 18.08.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3
Bf5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 e3 5.Bxe3 e6 6.g4 Bg6 7.h4 h6 [7...h5 8.Bd3=] 8.h5 Bh7 9.Bd3 Bxd3
10.Qxd3 c6 11.0-0-0 Nf6 12.g5 [12.Ne4+/=] 12...hxg5 13.Bxg5 Nbd7 [13...Qa5 14.f4=]
14.Nge2 Qa5 15.Bf4 [15.Rdg1=] 15...Rxh5 16.Kb1 Be7 17.Rxh5 Qxh5 18.Ng3 Qh4 19.Qe3
Nd5 20.Nxd5 cxd5 21.Rh1 Qf6 22.Rh8+ Nf8 23.Be5 Qg6 24.Qb3 Rc8 25.Qa4+ [25.Qb5+ Kd8
26.Rh2 b6=] 25...Rc6 26.a3 [26.Rh2 f6=/+] 26...f6 27.Bf4 Kf7 28.Ne2 [28.Qb3 Rc4-/+]
28...Qg2 29.Nc3 Ng6 30.Rb8 Nxf4 31.Rxb7 Qf1+ 32.Ka2 Qc4+ 33.Qxc4 Rxc4 34.Rxa7 Rxd4
35.a4 Rc4 36.Nb5 Rc6 37.a5 e5 38.a6 [38.Rb7 Ne6-+] 38...Ne6 39.Ra8 Nc7 40.Nxc7 Rxc7
41.b4 Bxb4 42.Rb8 Bc5 43.Rb7 Rxb7 44.axb7 Bd6 45.Kb3 e4 46.fxe4 dxe4 47.Kc4 f5 48.Kd4
g5 49.c4 g4 50.c5 Bb8 51.Ke3 Ke6 52.c6 g3 53.Ke2 f4 54.Kf1 Kd5 55.Kg2 f3+ 56.Kh3 g2
White resigns 0-1
Game 104 – Anderson 5.Bxe3 e6
Scandinavian Defence players must encounter 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 most of the time. Experienced
players are prepared for 2.Nc3, 2.e5, 2.d3 or 2.d4. How often do they face 2.d4? The Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit is likely a surprise most of the time. Kevin J. Williamson was confronted with
the move 2.d4 at Southend, England in 2016. He captured and returned the gambit pawn.
Williamson did the “walk on by” 2...dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 e3. Williamson met the Langeheinecke
with the solid 5.Bxe3 e6. John Anderson and Williamson are veteran players who have doubtless
seen their share of tricky openings in their careers. They continued 6.Bd3 Nbd7. White gets a
choice with his f-pawn and kingside knight. One option is to push the f3 pawn to f4, dreaming of
f5 or Nf3-Ne5. But this would leave Be3 as a bad bishop, at least temporarily. Anderson chose to
play 7.Nge2 Be7 8.Ne4. White has more space and easy development in this line. Black has
equalizing continuations. Probably the higher rated Anderson hoped to outplay Black. After both
went wrong on move 20, a draw was soon agreed.
Anderson (2214) - Williamson (1950), 60th Southend Easter 2016 Southend ENG (2.10),
25.03.2016 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 e3 5.Bxe3 e6 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.Nge2 Be7
8.Ne4 0-0 9.0-0 b6 [9...c5=] 10.Qe1 Bb7 11.Rd1 Nd5 12.Bd2 c5 13.c4 N5f6 14.Bc3 [14.Be3=]
14...Qc7 15.Kh1 Rfd8 16.Nxf6+ Bxf6 17.dxc5 Qxc5 18.Bxf6 Nxf6 19.Qc3 [19.Nc3=]
19...Rac8 20.Rd2? [20.Rfe1=] 20...Qe7? [20...Qg5-/+] 21.Qb3 [21.Rfd1=] 21...Rd7 22.Rfd1
Rcd8 23.Nc3 g6 24.Nb1 [The knight protects d2 to unpin the bishop. Material is even. I am
guessing that White offered a draw here.] 1/2-1/2
Game 105 – Zilbermints 5.Bxe3 e6
Lev Zilbermints played International Master Deen Hergott of Canada at the Internet Chess Club.
Black ducked away from a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit into a French Defence with 3...e6. He
avoided it again with 4.f3 e3. Black transposed into a Langeheinecke after 5.Bxe3 Nf6. White
developed his whole army by move 12. White maintained a good position for several moves until
Black counter attacked. Black targeted c4 and obtained a passed e-pawn. The master increased
the pressure and finally broke through for the victory.
Zilbermints (2053) - Hergott (2068), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 18.08.2017 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e6 4.f3 e3 5.Bxe3 Nf6 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.Nge2 c5 8.0-0 b6 [8...cxd4 9.Nxd4+/=]
9.Kh1 [9.Qe1!?+/=] 9...Bb7 10.Qe1 Be7 11.Qf2 0-0 12.Rad1 Qc7 13.Nb5 Qc6 14.c4 a6
15.Nbc3 cxd4 16.Nxd4 Qc7 17.b3 [17.Nb3=] 17...b5 18.Rc1 [18.Nce2=] 18...Ne5 19.Qe2?!
[19.Be2=] 19...Nxd3 20.Qxd3 bxc4 21.bxc4 Rfd8 22.Qe2 Rac8 23.Nd1 Bc5 24.Nb3 Ba3
25.Rc2 e5 26.Nf2 e4 27.f4 Nd5 28.Nd1 [28.f5 Nxe3 29.Qxe3 Bd6-/+] 28...Nb4 [28...a5-+]
29.Rc3 Nd3 30.Nf2 Nxf4 [30...Bb4-+] 31.Bxf4 Qxf4 32.Nh3 Qe5 33.Rc2 Bd6 34.Nf4 Qg5
35.Qe3 Bxf4 36.Qxf4 Qxf4 37.Rxf4 Rd1+ 38.Rf1 Rxf1# White checkmated 0-1
4.f3 c6
Game 106 – Leisebein 5.Nxe4
Peter Leisebein drew Jorge Victor Quiñones Borda in the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit O’Kelly 4.f3
c6. White played 5.Nxe4. This line resembles a Caro-Kann Defence with the addition of the
move 4.f3. A draw was agreed after all the center pawns and most of the minor pieces were
exchanged. These two opponents played Game 62 with colors reversed.
Leisebein - Quiñones Borda, RSS7E top-93 www.remoteschach.de, 16.11.2016 begins 1.d4
Nf6 2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 c6 5.Nxe4 [5.fxe4] 5...Nbd7 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 7.c3 Bf5 8.Bd3 Bxd3
9.Qxd3 e6 10.Nh3 Bd6 11.g3 [11.Bg5] 11...Qb6 12.0-0 0-0-0 [12...c5 13.Nf2 0-0=] 13.Kg2
[13.Nf2=] 13...Qc7 [13...h5 14.Ng5 Qc7=/+] 14.Qe2 Rhe8 15.Be3 e5 16.Qc2 Nd5 17.Bf2 exd4
18.Bxd4 Ne3+ 19.Bxe3 Rxe3 20.Rae1 1/2-1/2
Game 107 – Sheldrick 5.Bc4 Nbd7
Kevin Sheldrick wrote: “I played a granddisaster with the BDG the other day. His name was
Adrien Demuth and he is from France. The highlight for me was the post-mortem after the game,
where I bore witness to some brilliant attacking chess moves from the friendly Egyptian GM
Ahmed Adly (defending white) against Demuth's defence of black, although ultimately Adly's
line appears to be unsound. All analysis below is with Stockfish, unless otherwise stated.” Thank
you Kevin. What fun! These game notes were edited for space.
Sheldrick (2151) - Demuth (2521), Australian Open, 03.01.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4
dxe4 4.f3 c6 5.Bc4 Nbd7 6.fxe4 [6.Nxe4!?] 6...e5 [6...b5!=/+] 7.dxe5 [Adly said that after 7.
dxe5, I had "no chance" and suggested 7.Nf3? exd4 8.e5!? instead but he gave up due to
Demuth's response of 8...dxc3 9.exf6 gxf6!-+; Surprisingly, we all missed 7.Bxf7+!? Kxf7
8.dxe5=/+ as a possibility. (OK, it's maybe not quite as surprising that I missed it as it was that
the GM's both missed it.)??] 7...Nxe5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.Bd3?! [Adly criticized 9. Bd3?! in
conjunction with 7. dxe5 and I'd have been fine if I'd played 9.Bb3! instead, intending stuff like
9...Bb4 10.Nf3 Bxc3+ 11.bxc3.] 9...Bd6 10.Bg5 Ke7?! [10...h6=/+] 11.Nf3 [11.h3!=/+] 11...h6
12.Bh4 g5 [I lost a lot of time conversing with the arbiter about suspicions over my several
leavings of the playing area to go to the toilet.] 13.Bf2 Nfg4 14.Bd4 Rd8 15.Ke2? [15.Be2=/+]
15...Ng6 [15...Nxd3 16.cxd3 Bxh2!-/+] 16.g3 N4e5 17.Nxe5 Nxe5 18.b3? [18.Kf2=/+]
18...Nxd3 19.cxd3 Bb4 20.Ke3 Rxd4 21.Kxd4 c5+ 22.Kc4 b5+! [Brilliant!] 23.Kxb5
[23.Nxb5?? Be6#] 23...Rb8+! 24.Kc6 Bxc3 [Black had mate in 6] 25.Kxc5 Ba6 0-1 [26.d4
Rc8+ 27.Kd5 Bb7+ 28.Ke5 Rc5#! Notes by Sheldrick]
Game 108 – Luc Henris 5.Bc4 Bf5
FIDE Master Luc Henris of Belgium transposed to four openings in four moves. The game began
as an Alekhine Defence with 1.e4 Nf6. Then it became a Scandinavian with 2.Nc3 d5. White
played the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit with 3.d4 dxe4 4.f3. Black declined the gambit by turning
the opening into a Caro-Kann with 4…c6. I call this a BDG O’Kelly. Luc Henris is a 1.e4 player.
He is known for his extensive work on the Albin-Counter Gambit. Lucas Chaignet turned this
opening into a Caro-Kann Defence. The O’Kelly leaves White with a choice to make on move
five. I have seen nine different fifth moves played for White. Three are pretty good. Three are
subpar, and three are extremely suspect. Half the time 5.fxe4 is played. The move Henris played
in 5.Bc4 is even more popular because it transposes to the Caro-Kann Defence line 1.e4 c6 2.d4
d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.f3. Third is 5.Nxe4 is dull but fully sound, if that is important. The
best attacking move is 5.Bc4. Henris played it in a way that reminded me of a BDG Declined
Vienna Hara-Kiri 4.f3 Bf5 5.g4.
Henris (2149) - Chaignet (1871), 7th LUCOPEN 2016 Lille FRA (6.17), 13.04.2016 begins
1.e4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 dxe4 4.f3 c6 5.Bc4 Bf5 6.g4 [6.fxe4 Nxe4 7.Nxe4 Bxe4 8.Qe2 Bg6
9.Nf3 e6 10.0-0 Nd7=/+] 6...Bg6 7.g5 Nd5 8.Nxe4 e6 9.Ne2 [9.h4!?] 9...Be7 [9...h6 10.gxh6
Qh4+ 11.N2g3 gxh6 12.Qe2=] 10.h4 [10.0-0 Nd7 11.N2g3 0-0 12.Bb3=] 10...h6 11.Kf2 Nd7
12.Bb3 Qb6 13.c4 Nb4 14.Be3 Bxe4 15.fxe4 e5 16.Kg2 Qc7 17.d5 Bc5 18.Qd2 Bxe3 19.Qxe3
Qb6 20.Qxb6 [20.Qc3 0-0-0 21.a3+/=] 20...Nxb6 [20...axb6 21.Ng3=] 21.Ng3 hxg5 22.hxg5
Kd7? [22...0-0-0 23.Nf5+/=] 23.c5 Rxh1 24.Rxh1 Nc8 25.Rh7 cxd5 26.exd5 Ne7 27.Ba4+ 1-0
4.f3 c5 and others
Game 109 – Isler 5.Bb5+ Bd7
Benjamin Isler won against Christiane Rommeck. Black declined a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
with 4.f3 c5. White grabbed the pawn with 6.dxc5. Then Black accepted the gambit two moves
later than normal with 6...exf3. A battle ensued over c5 and then f4. Tactics were missed and
mistakes made from moves 17 to 20. Then White found a way to win a knight.
Isler (1897) - Rommeck (1616), 30th Kiel Open 2017 Kiel GER (7.42), 02.08.2017 begins 1.e4
d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 c5 5.Bb5+ [Maybe 5.d5 or 5.Bf4] 5...Bd7 6.dxc5 [6.d5] 6...exf3
[6...e6=/+] 7.Nxf3 Nc6 8.0-0 e6 9.Be3 Qc7 10.Ng5 Be7 11.Qe2 [11.Nce4 Nxe4 12.Nxe4=]
11...0-0 12.Bd3 h6 13.Nge4 Nxe4 14.Nxe4 Ne5 15.Rad1 Nxd3 16.cxd3?! [16.Qxd3=] 16...f5!
17.Nf2 Bxc5? [17...Bb5!-/+] 18.Rc1! b6 19.b4?! [19.d4!+-] 19...Qe5 [19...f4!=] 20.bxc5 f4
21.Ng4 Qg5 22.Bd2 bxc5 23.Ne5 Be8 24.Qe4 Bh5 [Or 24...Rc8 25.Rxf4+-] 25.Bxf4 1-0
Game 110 – Mellado Trivino 6.dxc5
Juan Mellado Triviño earned an International Master title in 1993 the year he turned age 25. In
2016 IM Mellado Trivino caught my attention when he played the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit for
the third time in a year. IMs with 2400 ratings rarely play a BDG. In 2016 Mellado Trivino was
rated the fourth highest in Andorra, a country between Spain and France. It is famous for ski
slopes in the beautiful Pyrenees. I read that in 2013 the Principality of Andorra had an average
life expectancy of 81 years, the highest in the world. None of his three master opponents
accepted the BDG. He faced Grandmaster Chandra Sandipan of India. The opening was equal for
more than 20 moves. The younger higher rated grandmaster won. Sandipan played the 4...c5
Brombacher variation. White has four reasonable responses. Juan Mellado Trivino chose 5.Bb5+
(rather than 5.Bf4, 5.d5 or 5.dxc5). They both castled queenside. The battle stretched from one
end of the board to the other.
Mellado Trivino (2427) - Sandipan (2572), 17th Miquel Mas Open 2016 Castell de Sant Ferran
ESP (8.3), 17.08.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 c5 5.Bb5+ [5.d5 or 5.dxc5]
5...Bd7 6.dxc5 [6.d5 Bxb5 7.Nxb5 Qa5+ 8.Nc3] 6...Qa5 [6...e6 7.Be3] 7.Qe2 Bxb5 [7...e6]
8.Qxb5+ Qxb5 9.Nxb5 Na6 10.Be3!? [10.a3=] 10...Nd5 11.Bd4 e5 12.Bxe5 Bxc5 13.0-0-0 Ne3
14.Re1!? [14.Rd2=] 14...0-0-0 15.Nh3 [15.fxe4 Nxg2 16.Re2=] 15...f6 16.Bf4 Nxg2 17.Rxe4
Rd5 18.Rd1 Rhd8 19.Rxd5 Rxd5 20.Bd2 [20.Re2=] 20...Rh5 21.Nf4 Nxf4 22.Bxf4 Kd7
23.Nc3?! Rf5 24.Kd2 g5 25.Bg3 Rxf3 26.Nd5 h5 27.b4 Bd6 28.Ke2 g4 29.Re3? [29.a4 Bxg3
30.hxg3 Kd6-/+] 29...Rxe3+ 30.Kxe3 Ke6 31.Bxd6 Kxd5 32.Bf8 Kc4 33.a3 Nc7 34.Ke4 h4
35.Bc5 Nb5 0-1
4.f3 e6
Game 111 – Wiander 5.Bg5
Michael Wiander drew Hampus Sorensen in Sweden. Black declined the Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit with 4…e6. White usually takes with 5.fxe4. Instead, Wiander developed 5.Bg5. This
gave his opponent one more chance to accept the gambit. Black advanced all of his kingside
pawns. They found themselves a little loose. The White queen stepped past them and gave
perpetual check.
Wiander (2235) - Sorensen (2103), Deltalift Open 2017 Tylosand SWE (6.13), 26.05.2017
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 e6 5.Bg5 [5.fxe4=] 5...h6 [5...exf3 6.Nxf3 BDG Euwe]
6.Bh4 [6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.fxe4=] 6...Bb4 7.a3 [7.fxe4 g5=/+] 7...Ba5 [7...Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 Qd5=/+]
8.fxe4 Bxc3+ 9.bxc3 g5 10.Bg3 Nxe4 11.Be5 Nf6 12.Bd3 Nbd7 13.Qe2 [13.Nf3!?] 13...b6
[13...Nxe5 14.Qxe5 0-0=/+] 14.Be4 Rb8 15.Bc6 [15.Nf3=] 15...0-0 16.Nf3 Nxe5 [16...Nd5=/+]
17.Nxe5 Nd5 18.Qf3 [18.Bxd5! exd5 19.0-0 Qd6 20.h4+/=] 18...f6 [18...Kg7-/+] 19.Ng4
[19.Ng6 Rf7 20.0-0=] 19...h5 20.Nf2 Ne7 21.Qxh5 Nxc6 22.Qg6+ Kh8 23.h4 g4 24.Qh6+ Kg8
25.Qg6+ 1/2-1/2
4.f3 e5
Game 112 – Mellado Trivino 7.f4!?
I love to see the International Master Juan Mellado Triviño play the Blackmar-Diemer. but I
don’t like the way he handled the move 4…e5. Grandmaster Tartakower demonstrated how to
win 5.dxe5! Qxd1+ 6.Kxd1! Nfd7 7.Nd5! White wins one pawns or two pawns or the Exchange
or a rook. IM Mellado Trivino chose 7.f4. Unfortunately White got outplayed in an equal
position by Vicenc Esplugas Esteve of Spain.
Mellado Trivino (2410) - Esplugas Esteve (2280), XXIV Balaguer Rapid Open Balaguer ESP
(8.7), 18.09.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 e5 5.dxe5 Qxd1+ 6.Kxd1! Nfd7
7.f4!? [7.Nd5! Kd8 8.Bg5+ f6 9.exf6 Nxf6 (For 9...gxf6 see next game) 10.Nxf6 h6 11.Nxe4+
hxg5 12.Nxg5+-] 7...f5 [7...Nc5 8.Nge2 Nc6 9.Be3 Be6 10.a3 0-0-0+ 11.Kc1 a5 12.Ng3+/=;
7...f6 8.e6 Nb6 9.f5 g6 10.a4 a5 11.Nxe4 Be7 12.g4 h5 13.Ne2+/=] 8.Bc4 [8.Nge2!? Bc5 9.Nd5
Kd8 10.b4 Nb6 11.Nxc7 Kxc7 12.bxc5 Na4 13.Be3=] 8...Nc5 [8...Nb6 9.Bb3=] 9.Be3 [9.Nb5
Nba6 10.Nd4=] 9...Be6 10.Bb3?! [10.Bxe6 Nxe6=] 10...Nxb3 11.axb3 Na6 [11...Nc6!=/+]
12.Nge2 0-0-0+ 13.Kc1 c5 14.Nb5 Kb8 15.Nec3 Be7 16.Na3 h6 17.Nc4 [17.Nab5=] 17...Nb4
18.Nd6 [18.Nb5=] 18...Bxd6 19.exd6 b6 20.Nb5 Rd7 21.Bd2 Nc6 22.Bc3 Rhd8 23.b4 cxb4
24.Nd4 Nxd4 25.Bxd4 Kb7 26.Be5 Rc8 27.Kd2 Rc5 28.c3 bxc3+ 29.bxc3 Rb5 30.Ke3 Kc6
31.h3 Rb2 32.g4 Rg2 33.gxf5 Bxf5 34.Rhb1? Rg3+ 35.Kd4 Rxh3 36.Rd1 h5 37.c4 h4
38.Rac1 a5 39.Rb1 Rd3+ 40.Rxd3 exd3 41.c5 bxc5+ 42.Ke3 a4 43.Rb8 h3 44.Rc8+ Kd5
45.Rf8 g6 46.Rh8 Ra7 47.Re8 a3 48.Ba1 Kxd6 49.Be5+ Kd5 50.Rd8+ Kc4 51.Kd2 a2 52.Ba1
Re7 53.Ra8 Re2+ 54.Kd1 h2 0-1
Game 113 – Alexey Dreev 7.Nd5!
Alexey Dreev faced a BDG in blitz on March 18, 2017 vs "Alright2015". Black chose the weak
4...e5?! White had sacrificed a pawn, but here White usually wins three pawns in a row.
Grandmaster Dreev improved over the normal play. He lost only two pawns. Thus he went from
up a pawn to down a pawn. But then Dreev outplayed his opponent and won in 70 moves.
Alright2015 (2268) - Dreev (3041), ICCopen2017 Internet Chess Club (5), 18.03.2017 begins
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 e5 5.dxe5 Qxd1+ 6.Kxd1 Nfd7 7.Nd5 Kd8 8.Bg5+ f6 9.exf6
gxf6 10.Nxf6 h6! [About 90% of the players who reach this position play 10...Be7 11.Nxe4+-]
11.Nxd7+ hxg5 12.Nxb8 [Best is 12.Nxf8 Rxf8 13.Kd2+/- and White is up a pawn with the
better position.] 12...Bg7 13.c3 Rf8 14.Kc2 Bf5 15.Rd1+ Kc8 16.fxe4 [Good is 16.g4!+-]
16...Bxe4+ 17.Bd3? [Losing for White. 17.Kb3+/=] 17...Bxg2 18.Nd7 Rf2+ 19.Ne2 Bxh1
20.Rxh1 Kxd7 [Black won the Exchange.] 21.Rg1 Bf6 22.h3 Re8 23.Kd2 c6 24.Rg4 Kc7
25.Rg3 Re7 26.Ke1 Rh2 27.Rf3 Be5 28.Kf1 a6 29.Kg1 Bd6 30.Kf1 Rh1+ 31.Kg2 Rd1 32.Nd4
Rd2+ 33.Kf1 Bf4 34.Be2 Re3 35.Rxe3 Bxe3 36.Nf5 Bf4 37.b4 Rxa2 38.Kf2 Rc2 39.Kf3
Rxc3+ 40.Kg4 Rb3 41.Nd4 Rxb4 42.Ne6+ [Black has three passed pawns. White has no hope.
If 42.Nc2 Rb2-+] 42...Kd6 43.Ng7 a5 44.Nf5+ Kc5 45.Ng7 a4 46.Ne6+ Kd6 47.Nd8 a3
48.Nf7+ Kc7 49.h4 gxh4 50.Kf5 a2 51.Bg4 a1Q 52.Kg6 Qd4 53.Bf5 Bd6 54.Ng5 Qe5 55.Nf7
Qg3+ 56.Kf6 Rf4 57.Nh6 Rxf5+ [57...Bf8! 58.Ke6 Qg5 59.Ke5 Bg7+ 60.Ke6 Qf6#] 58.Nxf5
Qe5+ 59.Kg6 Qxf5+ 60.Kxf5 h3 61.Kg4 h2 62.Kf5 h1Q 63.Kg4 Qd5 64.Kh3 c5 65.Kg4 c4
66.Kh3 Qf3+ 67.Kh4 Qg3+ 68.Kh5 Be5 69.Kh6 Bf4+ 70.Kh5 Qg5# White checkmated 0-1
4.f3 Nbd7
Game 114 – Zilbermints 4...Nbd7
Lev Zilbermints drew Grandmaster Suat Atalik of Turkey in a blitz game with the rare defense
4...Nbd7. This move prepares a counter strike in the center with ...e5 against the Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit. Initially, White was saddled with a potentially weak e4 pawn. In the endgame
Black had the better bishop, but White defended accurately to draw.
Zilbermints (2124) - Atalik (2415), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 22.03.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.f3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bf4 g6 [5...c5=] 6.fxe4 e5 7.Bg5 [7.dxe5 Nh5 8.Be3 Nxe5
9.Qxd8+ Kxd8 10.0-0-0+ Bd7 11.Nf3+/=] 7...h6 8.Be3 Bg7 9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.Qxd8+ Kxd8 11.0-
0-0+ Nfd7 12.Nf3 c6 13.Bd4 Kc7 14.Nxe5 [14.Be2!?] 14...Nxe5 15.Be2 Be6 16.Rhf1 Rhd8
17.Be3 Rxd1+ 18.Rxd1 b6 19.h3 Rd8 20.Bf4 Rxd1+ 21.Nxd1 Kd7 22.a3 a5 23.Ne3 b5
24.Kd2 h5 25.b3 f6 26.Bxe5 fxe5 27.Kc3 Bh6 28.Nf1 Bc1 [28...Kc7=/+] 29.a4 b4+ 30.Kd3
Kd6 31.Ne3 Bxe3 [Or 31...Kc5= ] 32.Kxe3 Kc5 33.h4 Bd7 34.g3 Be6 35.Bd3 Kd6 36.Be2 Ke7
37.Ba6 c5 38.Be2 Kf6 39.Bd3 g5 40.Be2 g4 41.Bd3 Ke7 42.Bb5 Bf7 43.Be2 Kd6 44.Bb5 c4
45.Bxc4 Bxc4 46.bxc4 Kc6 47.Kd2 Kb6 48.Ke2 Kc6 49.Kd2 Kd6 50.Ke2 Kc6 51.Kd2 Kd6
52.Ke2 Kc6 Game drawn by repetition 1/2-1/2
3.Nc3 e5
Game 115 – Steinbrenner 4.Qh5
Juerg Steinbrenner played the Sneiders Attack 4.Qh5 against FIDE Master Martin Voigt in
Germany. This Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Avoided 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 is known as the
Lemberger Counter Gambit. The Sneiders Attack 4.Qh5 is not as popular as with 4.Nge2 or
4.Nxe4. In this game White sacrificed two pawns in the hope of promising tactical
complications. Black had a bishop, knight, and passed a-pawn in exchange for a rook when the
game ended.
Steinbrenner (2136) - Voigt (2331), 105 Jahre FC St. Pauli Op Hamburg GER (2.13),
19.07.2015 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Qh5 exd4 5.Bc4 Qe7 6.Nd5 [6.Bg5 Nf6
7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Nxe4 Qe7 9.0-0-0 Qxe4 10.Qxf7+ Kd8 11.Nf3 Bd6=/+] 6...Nf6 7.Nxf6+ Qxf6
8.Bg5 Qf5 9.Ne2 Be7 10.Ng3 Qa5+ 11.Bd2 Qxh5 12.Nxh5 g6 13.Ng7+ Kd7 14.Bxf7 Nc6
[14...Bf6-/+] 15.Ne6 [15.Bb3 Bf6=/+] 15...Ne5 16.Bf4 Nxf7 17.Nxc7 Rb8 18.Na6 bxa6
19.Bxb8 Bb4+ 20.c3 dxc3 21.0-0-0+ Kc6 22.Bxa7 Bf5 23.Rd4 [23.bxc3 Ba3+ 24.Kd2 Nd6-+]
23...Be7 [23...Ne5-+] 24.Rc4+ Kb7 25.Be3 [25.Bc5 cxb2+ 26.Kxb2 Re8-/+] 25...cxb2+
26.Kxb2 Ne5 27.Rc3 Nd3+ 28.Kc2 Nb4+ 29.Kd2 Rd8+ 30.Ke2 Bd7 31.f3 Bb5+ 32.Kf2 Nxa2
33.Rb3 exf3 34.gxf3 Nb4 35.Rhb1 Nd5 36.Bd2 Re8 37.Kg2 Bd6 38.Re1 Rc8 0-1
Game 116 – Saeed 4.dxe5
International Master Nasser Saeed defeated “akita” in the Lemberger 4.dxe5 line. Saeed employs
a variety of openings with maybe one or two Blackmar-Diemer Gambits per day. He began this
game 1.e4 headed for some type of King Pawn opening. See Game 147 for a 1.d4 game vs the
same opponent. After Black played 1...d5, White switched to the BDG with 2.d4. Black opted for
a Lemberger Counter Gambit 3...e5. Saeed chose 4.dxe5 and outplayed his opponent. The game
ended on a beautiful check that wins a knight.
Saeed (1916) - akita (1803), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 19.05.2017 begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4
3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 Qxd1+ 5.Kxd1 Bg4+ 6.f3 exf3 7.gxf3 Bf5 [7...Be6=] 8.Nd5 [8.Nb5!?] 8...Kd7
[8...Na6 9.Bxa6 0-0-0=/+] 9.Bf4 c6 [9...Be6=/+] 10.Ne3 Be6 11.Ke1 Kc8 12.Nh3 h6 13.Bg3
Bc5 14.Nc4 Ne7 15.Nd6+ Kc7 16.Rd1 Nd7 [16...Nd5=] 17.Nf4 Bd5 [17...Nd5 18.Nxe6+ fxe6
19.Bh3+/=] 18.Nxd5+ Nxd5 [18...cxd5 19.Nxf7 Rhf8 20.e6+ Kc6 21.c4+-] 19.Nxf7 Rhf8
20.e6+ Black resigns 1-0
Game 117 – Sanhueza 4.dxe5
Cristian Sanhueza played the International Master Leonardo Tristan of Argentina in a BDG
Lemberger Counter Gambit. Playing an opponent rated over 2400 is big challenge for most
players. White chose the exchange 4.dxe5 line which leads to a messy equality. The players
mixed it up with sharp tactics. In the end Black won the Exchange or more.
Sanhueza (2264) - Tristan (2434), 1st Patagonia Open 2015 Neuquen ARG (9.9), 28.11.2015
begins 1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 Qxd1+ 5.Nxd1 Nc6 6.Bf4 Nge7 7.Bb5 Bd7 8.Nc3
[8.Ne2=] 8...Ng6 9.e6 [9.Nge2 0-0-0 10.0-0-0=] 9...Bxe6 [9...fxe6!?] 10.Bxc7 Rc8 11.Bg3 a6
12.Ba4 f5 13.Nge2 Bb4 14.Bb3 [14.h4=] 14...Bxb3 15.axb3 0-0 16.Nf4 [16.0-0-0 f4-/+]
16...Nxf4 17.Bxf4 Nd4 18.0-0-0 [18.Rd1 Nxc2+ 19.Ke2 Bc5-/+] 18...Bxc3 19.Bd6 Ne2+
20.Kb1 Rfd8 0-1
Game 118 – Sawyer 4.Nge2 exd4
White enjoys two good Blackmar-Diemer Gambit choices against the Lemberger after 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5. I covered 4.Nxe4 in Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 6 which is the traditional
main line. Then I covered 4.Nge2 in Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 7. This second line by Ernst
Rasmussen became my favorite. My knowledge and experience intersected well with my skill
and energy in 1998. That's when I hit my peak blitz chess rating of 2492. On my way up I drew
the computer KillerGrob in a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Lemberger in this 4.Nge2 exd4 line.
Sawyer (2323) - KillerGrob (2831), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 14.09.1998 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nge2 exd4 5.Qxd4 Qxd4 6.Nxd4 Nf6 7.Bg5 Be7 8.0-0-0 Ng4 [The main
line 8...0-0= is seen in the next game.] 9.Bxe7 Kxe7 10.Nxe4 f5 11.h3 fxe4 12.hxg4 c5 13.Nf5+
[13.Nb5! Bxg4 14.Re1 Kd8 15.Rxe4 Bd7 16.Bc4+/- with a dominating position.] 13...Bxf5
14.gxf5 Nc6 15.Rh4 Kf6 16.Rd7 Nd4 17.Rxe4 b6 17...Rhe8 18.Rxe8 Rxe8 19.Kd2 Re7
20.Rxe7 Kxe7 21.g4+/-] 18.Ree7 [White is probably winning after 18.Bc4 Kxf5 19.Ree7 Rhf8
20.Bd3+ Kf6 21.Rxg7+-] 18...Nxf5 19.Rf7+ Kg5 20.Bd3 g6 21.Bxf5 gxf5 22.Rxh7 [22.Rd5!+/-
] 22...a5 23.Rdg7+ Kf4 24.b3 Rxh7 25.Rxh7 Rg8 26.g3+ Kf3 27.Rh5 Kxf2 28.Rxf5+ Kxg3
29.Rf1 Rd8 30.a4 [30.Rf6+/=] 30...Rd6 31.Rf8 c4 32.Kb2 cxb3 33.cxb3 Rc6 34.Rf1 Kg4
35.Rf8 Kg5 36.Rf1 Kg6 37.Rf8 Rc5 38.Rf1 Rc7 39.Rf2 Kg5 40.Rf1 Rc5 41.Rf2 Rc6 42.Rf1
Rc5 43.Rf2 Rc8 44.Rf1 Rc5 Game drawn by repetition 1/2-1/2
Game 119 – Vandenbroucke 5.Qxd4
Nico Vandenbroucke was very helpful to my Blackmar-Diemer Gambit research in the 1990s.
We played many correspondence games. In addition, Nico Vandenbroucke sent me several of his
other BDG games. We contested this BDG Lemberger 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5. I don’t
remember the specific Blackmar-Diemer Gambit thematic event. When I play Black against a
BDG, my normal reaction is to grab the gambit pawn and dare White to beat me. White wins
sometimes against me, but I try to make it hard for that to happen. Lemberger Counter Gambit
3…e5 leads to equal play. I do not want an equal position if I can be up a pawn. Thus I rarely
play the Lemberger unless it is required or I’m in the mood. Nico chose the Rasmussen variation
4.Nge2 exd4 5.Qxd4 Qxd4 6.Nxd4 Nf7 7.Bg5. Black’s knight temporarily protects the e4 pawn.
White will chop off the knight and pick of the e4 pawn. Vandenbroucke and I traded off pieces
and agreed to a draw.
Vandenbroucke - Sawyer, corr BDG thematic (1) 1997 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5
4.Nge2 exd4 5.Qxd4 Qxd4 6.Nxd4 Nf6 7.Bg5 Be7 [7...Bb4=] 8.0-0-0 0-0 9.Bxf6 [9.Bc4!?=]
9...Bxf6 10.Nxe4 Be5 11.Bc4 Nd7 12.g3 [12.Nf3 Bf4+ 13.Kb1 Ne5 14.Nxe5 Bxe5 15.Rhe1=]
12...Nb6 13.Be2 Re8 14.Bf3 c6 15.Rhe1 h6 [15...Kf8=] 16.Nd6 Re7 17.Nxc8 Rxc8 18.Nf5 Re6
19.Re4 Rce8 20.Kb1 [20.c3=] 20...Nd5 [20...Kf8 21.Nh4 g6=] 21.h3 [21.Nd4 R6e7 22.c3=]
21...a5 [To shake things up, Black could get a rook and pawn for two pieces with 21...Bxb2
22.Rxe6 Nc3+ 23.Kxb2 Nxd1+ 24.Bxd1 Rxe6=] 22.Nd4 Bxd4 23.Rdxd4 Rxe4 1/2-1/2
3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4
Game 120 – Clauser 4.Nxe4 Nc6
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit readers benefited from Jack Clauser. He proofread my first Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit Keybook written 1989-1991. It was published 25 years ago in February 1992. In
2016 Jack Clauser graciously returned to proofread the first drafts of my Blackmar-Diemer
Theory books. It was painstaking work to play over each line. Chess authors don't sell millions of
books. It's hard to love chess and make money. I gratefully appreciate those who buy my books
or leave kind positive reviews for my efforts. Clauser examined my chosen computer analysis
with human eyes. Jack questioned lines with comments like "why not take that pawn?" or "I'd
move the knight here." I included many of his suggestions in my books along with chess engines
evaluations. As Black, Jack tried 4.Nxe4 Nc6 in the Lemberger Counter Gambit. I was in trouble
by move 20 and lost by move 25.
Sawyer - Clauser, corr 1988 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4 Nc6 [Black may
develop the other knight with 4...Nf6 5.Nxf6+ Qxf6 (5...gxf6 6.Nf3=) 6.Be3 (Or 6.Nf3=) 6...Bd6
7.Nf3=] 5.d5 Nd4 6.c3 Bf5 7.cxd4 [White could repeat moves with 7.Qa4+ Bd7 8.Qd1 Bf5=; or
try 7.f3 Bxe4 8.fxe4 Qh4+ 9.Kd2 Qf2+ 10.Ne2=] 7...Bxe4 8.Qa4+ c6 9.dxc6 Bxc6 10.Bb5 Ne7
11.dxe5 Qd5 12.Bxc6+ Nxc6 13.Nf3 Bb4+ 14.Bd2 [14.Kf1 0-0 15.Kg1 Bc5 16.Bf4=]
14...Bxd2+ 15.Nxd2 Qxg2 16.0-0-0 Qxf2 17.Ne4 Qe3+ 18.Kb1 0-0 19.Rhe1 Qh6 20.Rd6
[20.Nd6 Rad8=/+] 20...Qxh2 21.Nf6+? [21.e6 fxe6-/+] 21...gxf6 22.exf6 Kh8 23.Qe4 Qg3
24.Ka1 Qg6 25.Qh4 Rad8 0-1
Game 121 – Anderson 4.Nxe4 Nf6
John Anderson won against Tim R. Spanton in a BDG Lemberger Counter Gambit in England.
White chose the Diemer lines 4.Nxe4. Black defended with 4...Nf6. After multiple early
exchanges, White transposed into a favorable bishop endgame and finally into a winning pawn
endgame. This game demonstrates that gambit players improve their winning chances when they
can play endings well.
Anderson (2171) - Spanton (1927), 61st Southend Easter 2017 ENG (1.11), 14.04.2017 begins
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6+ Qxf6 [5...gxf6 6.Be3 Nc6 7.Nf3 Be6 8.Be2
Rg8 9.g3=] 6.Nf3 e4 [6...exd4 7.Qe2+ Be7 8.Bg5 d3 9.Qe3 Qe6 10.Bxd3 Qxe3+ 11.Bxe3 Nc6
12.a3 0-0 13.0-0-0=] 7.Ne5 Bd6 8.Nc4 Nc6 9.Be3 0-0 10.Nxd6 cxd6 11.Qd2 Bd7 12.Be2 Ne7
13.0-0 Nf5 14.f3 [14.c4 Qg6 15.Bf4 Nh4 16.Bg3=] 14...Nxe3 [14...Bc6 15.fxe4 Bxe4 16.Bd3=]
15.Qxe3 exf3 16.Rxf3 Qe6 17.Bd3 Qxe3+ 18.Rxe3 Rfe8 19.Rae1 Rxe3 20.Rxe3 Re8 21.Kf2
Rxe3 22.Kxe3 Bc6 23.g3 g6 24.c4 Kg7 25.b4 Kf6 26.Bc2 [26.Be4!?] 26...h6 27.a4 b6 28.d5
Bd7 29.Kd4 Ke7 30.a5 bxa5 31.bxa5 f5 32.Bd3 g5 33.c5 h5 [33...f4 34.gxf4 gxf4 35.c6=]
34.c6 Bc8 35.Be2 h4 36.gxh4 gxh4 37.Ke3 Kf6 38.Kf4 a6 [38...Kg6 39.Bf1+-] 39.Bh5 Kg7
[39...Ke7 40.Be2+-] 40.Be8 Kf6 41.Bd7 Bxd7 42.cxd7 Ke7 43.Kxf5 Kxd7 1-0
Game 122 – Kragh 5.Nxf6+ Qxf6
Niels Kristian Kragh of Denmark played White in this Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Lemberger
Counter Gambit. Peter Erik Olsen is a FIDE International Arbiter with a master rating of 2228. It
may seem safe to assume that a player rated 2121 knows the theory of any opening he employs
in tournament play, but Kragh has often played 1.e4. When he tried a BDG, Kragh responded to
the Lemberger with the most common fourth move 4.Nxe4. Normally Black captures on d4 with
either the pawn or queen on move four. Instead, Peter Erik Olsen developed a knight with
4...Nf6.
Kragh (2121) - Olsen (2228), OeBRO KM 2016 Copenhagen DEN (6.7), 30.12.2016 begins
1.e4 d5 2.d4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Nxf6+ Qxf6 6.dxe5 Qxe5+ 7.Be2 Bg4 [7...Nc6 8.Nf3
Qf6 9.c3=] 8.Be3 Bxe2 9.Qxe2 Be7 10.Nf3 Qa5+ [10...Qxb2 11.0-0 Nc6 12.Rfb1 Qc3 13.Bd2
Qf6 14.Bg5 Qe6 15.Qxe6 fxe6 16.Rxb7=] 11.Bd2 [11.c3 0-0 12.0-0 Bd6 13.Nd4+/=] 11...Qa6
12.c4 Qe6 13.Qxe6 fxe6 14.0-0-0 Nc6 15.Rhe1 Kf7 16.Ng5+ Bxg5 17.Bxg5 Rhe8 [17...Rhf8
18.Bh4+/=] 18.Rd7+ Kg6 19.Bd2 Rac8 20.Re3 Re7 21.Rxe7 Nxe7 22.Rxe6+ Kf7 23.Re4 Nf5
[23...c5 24.Bc3+/-] 24.Bc3 [24.g4+/-] 24...g6 [24...c5 25.Re5+/-] 25.b3 c6 26.f3 b5 27.Kb2 Nd6
[27...Re8 28.Rxe8 Kxe8 29.cxb5 cxb5 30.Be1+/-] 28.Rd4 Ke6 29.cxb5 cxb5 30.Bb4 Nf5
31.Re4+ Kd5 32.Bc3 Rc7 33.g4 [33.g3 Kc6 34.a3+/-] 33...Nh4 34.Re5+ Kc6 35.f4 Rf7
36.Re6+ Kc5 [36...Kd5!?] 37.Bf6 [37.Be1 Nf3 38.Bg3+/-] 37...Ng2 38.f5 gxf5 39.gxf5 Nf4
40.Ra6 Nd5 41.Bh4 Rxf5 42.Rxa7 [42.Bg3+/=] 42...h5 [42...Re5=] 43.Ra8 Re5 [43...Kd4
44.Rc8+/=] 44.Rc8+ 1/2-1/2
Game 123 – Dowling 4.Nxe4 Qxd4
The best way to learn an opening is to play it! A loss is a lesson. When I fail, I fall forward. I like
this quote: “If you FAIL, never give up because F.A.I.L. means “First Attempt in Learning”.
END is not the end; in fact E.N.D. means “Effort Never Dies”. If you get NO as an answer,
remember N.O. means “Next Opportunity.”” That comes from Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul
Kalam who was the 11th President of India. He is known as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. John Dowling
was listed in 2014 as the 19th highest rated USCF correspondence player at 2345. He has earned
a National Master certificate in tournament play. This game was in a thematic postal tournament.
All the players had to play the BDG from both sides. John tried out the BDG in thematic events.
Dowling won most of his games from either side. John lost a game to Ernst Rasmussen. It
became Game 66 in my Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Keybook II covered on pages 270-274. When
you want to learn an opening, you want to practice it, but not when an important rating or money
is at stake. There are many benefits in losing a practice game. First, losing in an opening may
indicates whether or not a line is good. Second, losing in an opening reveals to you what you do
not yet understand. Third, losing in an opening tells you how to play the other side. And fourth,
losing in an opening shows you that your opponent played well!
Sawyer - Dowling, corr BDGW 5-B (1.2), 03.1992 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4
Qxd4 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.Nf3 Qd5 [6...Qd7!?=] 7.Qe2 [7.0-0!=] 7...Bg4 8.Bc4 Qd7 9.c3?! [9.Be3 0-0-
0 10.h3=] 9...0-0-0 10.0-0 h6 11.Ng3 Bd6 12.h3 Be6 13.Bxe6 Qxe6 14.Re1 Nge7 15.Bd2
[15.b4 Kb8=/+] 15...f5 16.Nd4 Nxd4 17.cxd4 e4 0-1
Game 124 – van Ee 4.Nxe4 Qxd4
I played the Lemberger Counter Gambit against Alwin van Ee twice as Black. I lost after 4.Nxe4
exd4. Here we drew 4.Nxe4 Qxd4. Black could keep the gambit pawn but his queen and king can
become vulnerable to White’s active pieces. As often happened in 1996, I agreed to a draw while
up a pawn. About this same time, Doug Smith and Alwin van Ee organized a ten player thematic
team match between the towns of Gloucester (Smith) and Utrecht (van Ee). The final result was
5-5.
van Ee - Sawyer, corr BDG thematic 1996 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4 Qxd4
5.Bd3 Qb6 6.Qe2 [Douglas Royston Smith tried 6.Ne2 and although he got a reasonable
position vs me, but it did not turn out well for White after 6...Nf6 (6...f5!=/+) 7.Be3 Qxb2
8.Nxf6+ gxf6 9.0-0 Nc6 10.Ng3 Be6 11.Rb1 Qa3 12.Rxb7 0-0-0 13.Rb1 f5 14.Qe2 f4 15.Ba6+
Kd7 16.Bc1 Qxa2 0-1 Smith-Sawyer, corr BDG thematic 1996] 6...Be7 [Another critical line is
6...Ne7 7.Nf3 f5 8.Bb5+ Bd7 9.Nc3 Bxb5 10.Qxb5+ Nbc6 11.Nxe5 Qxb5 12.Nxb5 Nxe5
13.Nxc7+ Kd7 14.Nxa8=] 7.Nd2 Qa5?! [A better try seems to be 7...Nc6 8.Ngf3 Nb4 9.Nxe5
Nxd3+ 10.Nxd3 Qe6 11.Qxe6 Bxe6 12.0-0 0-0-0 13.Re1=] 8.Ngf3 Nc6 9.0-0 Bg4 10.Nc4
[10.Bb5!+/-] 10...Qd5 11.Ne3 [11.Ncxe5 Nxe5 12.Qxe5 Bxf3 13.Qxg7 0-0-0 14.Qxh8 Nf6
15.Qg7 Rg8 16.Qxg8+ Nxg8 17.gxf3 Qxf3 18.Re1 Bc5 19.Be3=] 11...Bxf3 12.Nxd5 Bxe2
13.Bxe2 0-0-0 14.Bc4 Bc5 15.Rd1 Nf6 16.Be3 Ne4 17.Bxc5 Nxc5 18.c3 Ne4 19.Bd3 Rxd5
20.Bxe4 Rd6 21.Rxd6 cxd6 22.Rd1 Kc7 23.Kf1 Ne7 24.Ke2 f5 25.Bc2 Kc6 26.f3 h5 27.Bb3
d5 28.c4 Rd8 29.cxd5+ Nxd5 30.Rc1+ Kb6 31.g3 g5!?= [Black could try to win with
31...Ne7=/+] 1/2-1/2
Game 125 – ATtheGreat 5.Bd3 f5
One of my longtime friends on the Internet Chess Club used the handle “ATtheGreat”. He is no
longer active or using that name. We chatted more than we played. The ICC database server has
several of his games spread out from 2006 to 2013. ATtheGreat had a higher rating in slower
games. His standard rating reached as high as 1994 in 2012. It seemed to me that at times his
blitz rating was unusually low and mine was unusually high. Partly because of that difference we
rarely if ever played rated games. ATtheGreat knew his opening variations pretty well. Either he
had a lot of experience or a good memory. In this game we tested the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
in the BDG Lemberger Variation which begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5!? This variation is
completely playable. Most of the time as White I chose 4.Nge2. Here we played 4.Nxe4 Qxd4
5.Bd3 f5.
ATtheGreat (1564) - Sawyer (2408), ICC 2 12 u Internet Chess Club, 19.09.2004 begins 1.d4
d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4 Qxd4 5.Bd3 f5 6.Nf3 [6.Nc3 Nc6 7.Nf3 Qd7 8.Qe2 e4 9.Bc4
Nf6=/+] 6...Qb6 [6...Qd7! 7.Neg5 Nc6 8.Qe2 e4 9.Bc4 Be7 10.Nh4=; 6...Qd8! 7.Neg5 Nc6
8.Qe2 e4 9.Bc4 Nh6 10.0-0=] 7.Be3!? [7.Nc3! e4 8.0-0! and analysis by Houdini indicates that
White has great compensation for the either piece if captured. 8...exf3 (8...exd3 9.Re1+ Be7
10.Nd5 Qd6 11.Qxd3 c6 12.Nxe7+-; 8...Nf6 9.Bc4 Nbd7 10.Qe2 Bd6 11.Rd1+/=) 9.Re1+ Ne7
10.Qxf3 Qg6 11.Bf4 c6 12.Rad1+-; 7.Neg5 h6 8.Bc4 hxg5 9.Qd5 Qb4+ 10.c3 Qe7 11.Nxe5 Nf6-
/+] 7...Qxb2 8.0-0? [8.Rb1! Qxa2 9.Nc3 Qa3 10.Nb5 Qe7 11.Nxa7 Bd7=] 8...fxe4 9.Bxe4 Nf6
10.Rb1 Qxa2 11.Bd3 Nc6 [11...e4!?] 12.Re1 Bd6 13.Bf4 0-0 14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.Bxe5 Bxe5
White resigns 0-1
Game 126 – Forman 5.Bb5+ c6
Robin Forman is a National Master rated 2265. An article dated September 14, 2016 in “The
Hullabaloo” announced a new member added to the Tulane administrative board, “senior vice
president of Academic Affairs and provost, Robin Forman.” In the article Emily Fornof wrote
“Outside of academia, Forman has played chess for many years and is a former stand-up
comedian. Forman still remains interested in these activities, but he says his passion has
remained with education.” An intelligent chess master with a sense of humor! Robin Forman and
I drew a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit in a 1996 unrated game with the Lemberger Counter Gambit.
I experimented with 5.Bb5+!? c6 6.Qe2?! We got bishops of opposite colors and agreed to a
draw.
Sawyer - Forman, corr BDG thematic 1996 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nxe4 exd4
5.Bb5+ [5.Nf3! Nc6 6.Bb5 Bf5 7.Bxc6+ bxc6 8.Ng3 Qe7+ 9.Ne2 c5 10.0-0 0-0-0=] 5...c6
[5...Bd7 6.Qe2 Qe7 7.Nf3 f5 8.Bxd7+ Nxd7 9.Neg5 Qxe2+ 10.Kxe2=; 5...Nc6 6.Ne2 Bd7 7.0-0
Nf6 8.Nxf6+ Qxf6 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Qxd4 Nxd4 11.Bxd7+ Kxd7 12.Rd1=] 6.Qe2?! [6.Bc4! Nf6
7.Nxf6+ Qxf6 8.Nf3 Bb4+ 9.Kf1 0-0 10.Bg5 Qd6 11.Qxd4 Qxd4 12.Nxd4 Nd7 13.c3 Bc5
14.Re1=] 6...Be7 [6...Bb4+! 7.c3 cxb5 8.cxb4 Ne7 9.Qxb5+ Nbc6-/+] 7.Bc4 Bf5 [7...b5 8.Bb3=]
8.Nf3 Bg6 [8...Bxe4 9.Qxe4 Nf6 10.Qxd4 Qxd4 11.Nxd4 Bc5=] 9.0-0 Kf8 10.Bf4 c5 11.Ne5
[11.Rae1!?+/-] 11...Nc6 12.Nxc6 [12.Rae1 Nxe5 13.Bxe5+/-] 12...bxc6 13.Be5?! [13.Rfe1 Qd7
14.Qd2 Re8 15.Qa5+/-] 13...Nf6 14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Nxc5 Qe7 16.Qxe7+ Kxe7 17.Rae1+ Kd6
18.Ne4+ Bxe4 19.Rxe4 Rab8 20.b3 Rhe8 21.Rxe8 Rxe8 22.Bxf7 Re2 23.Rc1 1/2-1/2
3.Nc3 f5
Game 127 – Hafez 4.Bc4 Nf6
Mohamed Hafez defeated Moustafa Hussein in Cairo, Egypt. The line was a BDG Poehlmann
Variation after 3...f5 4.Bc4. Alternatives are 4.Bg5, 4.Bf4, and 4.f3.
Hafez (1782) - Hussein (2016), Egypt Open 2016 Cairo EGY (3.50), 24.04.2016 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 f5 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.Bg5 e6 6.d5 e5 7.g4 Bb4 8.gxf5 Bxf5 9.Nge2 Qd6
[9...Nbd7=/+] 10.a3 Ba5 11.b4 Bb6 12.Nb5 Qd7 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.Ng3 [14.d6 c6=/+] 14...Bg6
15.d6 c6 [15...Nc6 16.c3 a6 17.Nxc7+ Bxc7 18.dxc7 Qxc7=/+] 16.Nh5 [16.Nc7+ Bxc7 17.dxc7
Qxc7 18.Qg4=] 16...Rf8 [16...Kd8 17.Nc7 Qf5 18.Qd2 Bxh5-+] 17.Be6 Qxe6 [17...cxb5
18.Bxd7+ Nxd7 19.a4 bxa4 20.Rxa4+-] 18.Ng7+ Kf7 19.Nxe6 Kxe6 20.Nc7+ [20.Qg4+ f5
21.Qg5+-] 20...Bxc7 21.dxc7 Na6 22.Qe2 Nxc7 23.0-0-0 Rfd8 [23...Nd5 24.b5+-] 24.c4
[24.Rxd8 Rxd8 25.Rd1 Rxd1+ 26.Kxd1+-] 24...Rd4 [24...Rd3 25.Rxd3 exd3 26.Qg4+ f5
27.Qg5+/-] 25.Rxd4 exd4 26.Rd1 Rd8 27.h4 [27.f3+-] 27...b6 [27...Kf7 28.Qg4+/-] 28.h5 Bf5
29.Rg1 [29.f3+-] 29...Ne8 30.c5 bxc5 [30...d3 31.Qa2+ Ke7 32.Kd2+-] 31.Qa6 cxb4 32.axb4
Nd6 [32...Kf7 33.Kd2+-] 33.Qxa7 [33.Qa2+! Ke5 34.Qa5+ Nb5 35.Qxd8+-] 33...Nb5 34.Qb7
[34.Qc5+-] 34...Rd6 35.f4 d3 [35...Kd5 36.Qf7+ Re6 37.Rg5+-] 36.Qc8+ Rd7 37.Qxc6+ Nd6
38.Kd2 Kf7 [38...h6 39.Rg8+-] 39.h6 e3+ 40.Kxe3 Re7+ 41.Kd2 Re2+ 42.Kd1 Ke6 43.Re1
Bg4 44.Rxe2+ dxe2+ 45.Ke1 1-0
Game 128 – Saeed 4.f3 exf3
International Master Nasser Saeed won against another International Master using the handle
“alexser” in an Internet Chess Club five minute blitz game. Black accepted the f3 gambit pawn
which resembled a Dutch Defence Staunton Gambit. Black opens up the center with his king still
there. The game ends suddenly when White offers a bishop to win the queen or king or both!
Saeed (2145) - alexser (2206) ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 13.01.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 f5
3.e4 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Nf6 6.Bc4 [6.Bg5!?] 6...e6 7.0-0 c5 8.d5 exd5 9.Nxd5 Nxd5
10.Bxd5 Be7 11.Re1 Kf8 12.Ne5 Qb6 13.Qh5 Qf6 14.Bg5! Black resigns 1-0
Game 129 – Hartelt 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bc4
Rob Hartelt wrote: "A new variation (for me) in the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. This was Slick."
Hartelt defeated “Bjorfin” in this online game. This variation of the Poehlmann began 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 f5 4.f3 Nf6 when White should consider 5.fxe4. Black missed his chances on
moves 6, 8, 9, and 10. White responded with a checkmate on move 17.
Hartelt (926) - Bjorfin (899), Live Chess Chess.com, 25.03.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4
3.Nc3 f5 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bc4 [5.fxe4 fxe4 6.Bg5=] 5...Nc6 6.Be3 e6 [6...e5-/+] 7.d5 [7.fxe4!?]
7...exd5 8.Nxd5 Bb4+? [8...Ne5-/+] 9.c3 [9.Nxb4 Qxd1+ 10.Rxd1 Nxb4 11.Rd2=] 9...Ba5?!
[9...Bd6-/+] 10.Qb3 [10.fxe4=] 10...b6? [10...Nxd5 11.Bxd5 Bb6-/+] 11.0-0-0 Be6 12.Nxf6+
gxf6 13.Rxd8+ Rxd8 14.Bxe6 Ne5 15.Bxf5 b5 [15...Rd6 16.fxe4 Nf7 17.Nf3 0-0 18.Bf4+-]
16.Qe6+ Kf8 17.Bh6# 1-0
Game 130 – Harnandan 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bc4
Sergio Harnandan of the Netherlands played Gennadiy Gelman of Azerbaijan at the Olympiad in
2017. The game was a BDG Poehlmann Variation 3...f5. White chose 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bc4. Black
managed to keep his extra pawn until it fell in the endgame. White missed a relatively simple
draw on move 46.
Harnandan (1863) - Gelman (1694), 15th IBCA Olympiad 2017 Ohrid MKD (6.8), 25.06.2017
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 f5 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bc4 Nc6 6.Be3 e5 7.dxe5 Nxe5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8
9.0-0-0+ Bd6 10.Bb3 exf3 11.Nxf3 Bd7 12.Nxe5 Bxe5 13.Nd5 Nxd5 14.Rxd5 Bd6 15.Bg5+
Kc8 16.Rhd1 Re8 17.g3 Be6 18.Re1 Kd7 19.Ba4+ c6 20.Rd2 Kc7 21.Red1 Be5 [21...Be7=/+]
22.Bb3 Bxb3 23.Rd7+ Kb6 24.axb3 h6 25.Bd8+ Ka6 26.c4 Bf6 27.Bxf6 gxf6 28.Rf7 Re2
29.Rd2 Rae8 30.Rxf6 Ka5 31.Rxf5+ Kb4 32.Rf3 R8e3 33.Rf7 b6 34.Rxa7 Rxd2 35.Kxd2
Rxb3 36.Kc2 Rf3 37.Re7 Kxc4 38.Re6 Rf2+ 39.Kc1 Rxh2 40.Rxc6+ Kb5 41.Rg6 Ka5 42.g4
b5 43.g5 hxg5 44.Rxg5 Ka4 45.Rg8 b4 46.Ra8+ [46.Kb1=] 46...Kb3 47.Rb8 Rc2+ 48.Kb1
Rxb2+ 49.Kc1 Rc2+ 50.Kb1 Rh2 51.Kc1 Rh1+ 52.Kd2 Rh4 53.Kc1 Rc4+ 54.Kb1 Kc3
[54...Rg4 55.Kc1 Rg1+ 56.Kd2 Rb1 57.Rb7 Ka2-+] 55.Rh8 Kb3 56.Rh3+ Rc3 57.Rh8 Rg3
58.Kc1 [58.Rh1=] 58...Rg1+ 59.Kd2 Kb2 60.Rb8 b3 61.Rb7 Rg3 62.Rb8 Kb1 63.Rb7 b2
64.Rb6 Rg8 65.Kd1 Rd8+ 66.Ke2 Rd4 0-1
Game 131 – Normand 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bg5
Nicolas Normand won against “IgoR-NiK” in a Live Chess game. The opening was a Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit Poehlmann Variation 3...f5. White chose 4.f3. My French friend finds a fast
finish with checkmate on move 12. Fabulous!
Normand - IgoR-NiK, Live Chess Chess.com 13.10.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 f5
4.f3 Nf6 [4...e5] 5.Bg5 [5.fxe4 fxe4 6.Nge2=] 5...Nbd7 6.Bc4 [6.fxe4 Nxe4 7.Nxe4 fxe4
8.Bc4=] 6...h6 [6...c6 7.fxe4 b5 8.Bb3 b4 9.Nce2 Nxe4 10.Nf3=] 7.Bxf6 Nxf6 8.fxe4 Nxe4
[8...fxe4 9.Nxe4 Bf5 10.Ng3 Bg4 11.Nf3+/=] 9.Qh5+ Kd7 10.Qxf5+ Kc6 11.Qb5+ Kd6
12.Nxe4# 1-0
Game 132 – Ivanov 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bf4
Oleg Ivanov won a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Poehlmann Variation. This line can arise from a
Dutch Defence move order, but Ivanov chose the BDG path. His opponent was the higher rated
Ivan Punchev in the 181st MGU Open in Sofia, Bulgaria. They began 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3
f5. The Dutch move order would be 1.d4 f5 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4. Why not 3...fxe4? Because
4.Qh5+ picks off the d5 pawn. After 3...f5 White has several good choices as discussed in detail
in my Blackmar-Diemer Theory 4 book. I like the BDG type 4.f3! When the game opens up
White has several potential targets in the Black position. In this game Punchev fought back, but
Black only developed one minor piece in the first 10 moves. That spells trouble. FIDE lists Oleg
Ivanov of Bulgaria with a 1952 birth year. Many older players enjoy the Blackmar-Diemer
Gambit. It makes games fun.
Ivanov (1594) - Punchev (1736), 181st MGU Open 2017 Sofia BUL (2.2), 11.02.2017 begins
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 f5 4.f3 Nf6 5.Bf4 h6 6.Bc4 a6 [6...e6=] 7.fxe4 g6 [7...g5 8.Be5+-]
8.Nf3 fxe4 9.Ne5 e6 10.Nxg6 Rh7 11.0-0 Bd6 12.Ne5 b5 13.Be2 Qe7 14.Bh5+ Kd8 15.Bg6
Bb7 16.Bxh7 Qxh7 17.Qe1 [17.Bxh6+-] 17...Ke8 [17...Nbd7 18.Nxd7 Nxd7 19.Qg3+-] 18.Qh4
Ng8 19.Bg5 Bxe5 20.dxe5 Bc6 21.Be3 [White has a mate in five. 21.Qh5+! Kd7 22.Rf8 Nf6
23.Bxf6 Qe7 24.Bxe7 Kxe7 25.Qf7#] 21...Nd7 22.Bd4 b4 23.Be3 [23.Qh5+ Ke7 24.Ne2+-]
23...bxc3 [23...Ne7 24.Ne2+-] 24.bxc3 [24.Qh5+ Kd8 25.Rf7+-] 24...Rb8 [Again 24...Ne7=]
25.Bd4 [25.Qh5+ Kd8 26.Rf7+-] 25...Rb2 [25...Ne7!-/+] 26.Qh5+ Kd8 27.Rf7 Qh8 28.Qh4+
Kc8 29.Qg4 h5 30.Qxe6 Kb7 31.c4 Rxc2 [31...Qh6 32.Qxh6 Nxh6 33.Rxd7 Bxd7 34.Bxb2+-]
32.Rb1+ 1-0
3.Nc3 Bf5 and others
Game 133 – Torning Plays 5.Qe2
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Zeller 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5 4.g4 Bg6 is rare. Richard Torning
plays 5.Qe2 which appears once in my database. I quote his comments edited for space:
"Greetings Tim, Thank you for your Blackmar enthusiasm! The line I usually play does not
appear to be mentioned in your books? Please correct me if I am wrong. Would I be so bold as to
suggest that this variation be referred to as the Torning line if it is not already taken?" "I love
gambits and I coach children using miniature games. I also encourage the use of gambits in their
opening repertoires. I am the current editor of the New South Wales Junior Chess Magazine... I
am also an arbiter and chess administrator for the NSWJCL. Kindest regards, Richard Torning"
Torning (1809) - smc000130 (1537), lichess.org, 02.09.2016 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5 4.g4
Bg6 5.Qe2 h5 [5...Qd7 6.Nxe4 Bxe4 7.Qxe4 and 1-0 in 43. Ulf Brambrink - Kuhn,
Recklinghausen 2002; 5...h6 6.Qb5+ Nd7 7.Qxb7 e6 8.Bb5 and won 1-0 in 24. Torning -
Aremando, lichess.org 2015; 5...Nf6 6.Bf4 e6 7.Qb5+ Nbd7 8.0-0-0 and 1-0 in 12. Torning -
machur_leShach, lichess.org 2016; 5...Qxd4 ("Greedy grabbing a second pawn and thinking e4 is
the key point for protection." Torning) 6.Qb5+ Nd7 7.Be3! Qe5 8.Qxb7 Rb8 9.Qxa7 Rxb2
10.Bd4! Qd6 11.0-0-0 Qb4 12.Bb5+-] 6.Bf4!? [6.Qb5+ Nd7 7.g5!?=] 6...hxg4 [6...a6 7.g5 e6
8.Bg2=] 7.0-0-0!? Nf6 [7...e6=/+] 8.Qb5+ c6? [8...Nbd7=] 9.Qxb7 Nbd7 10.Qxc6 [10.d5!+-]
10...e6 [10...Rc8=] 11.Nb5 [11.Ba6+/-] 11...Rc8? [11...Nd5!-/+] 12.Nc7+ Ke7 13.Bd6# 1-0
Game 134 – Mongiello Wins Bf5
Chess Olympiads allow competition that differs from the normal club or state tournament play.
Contestants come from all parts of the world. They bring together different styles and skill
levels. Grandmasters may know each other from tournament events throughout the year. Further
down in the standings it’s another matter altogether. Most players are competing against
complete strangers who come from other continents. Blackmar-Diemer Zeller begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5. The BDG Accepted is 3…Nf6 4.f3 exf3. The Zeller is similar but it is not
the same if Nf6 is delayed a bit. Anthony Mongiello of the US Virgin Isles won against
Christophe Batakafwa Biabu from the Congo in Africa. The game saw Black delay the knight
until 8…Nf6. The result was not clear until White found Black’s vulnerable king and attacked.
Mongiello (1576) - Batakafwa Biabu, 42nd Olympiad 2016 Baku AZE (10.82), 12.09.2016
begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 [5.Qxf3] 5...e6 [5...Nf6] 6.Bd3 Bxd3
[6...Bg6 7.Ne5=] 7.Qxd3 a6 [7...Nd7 8.Bf4 Ngf6 9.0-0-0=; 7...Nc6 8.0-0 Qd7 9.Bf4 Nge7=] 8.0-
0 [8.d5!?] 8...Nf6 9.Bg5 Be7 10.Ne5 0-0 11.Ne4 [11.Rad1!?] 11...Nxe4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Qxe4
c6 14.Rf3 f6 [14...Nd7=/+] 15.Raf1 [15.Rh3!=] 15...f5 16.Qe1 Nd7 17.Nd3 Qd6 18.c3 Rfe8
19.Re3 c5 20.dxc5 Nxc5 21.Nf4? [21.Nxc5 Qxc5=/+] 21...e5 [21...Rad8-+] 22.Qe2 e4 [22...b5
23.Rd1 Qb8-/+] 23.Qc4+ Kh8 24.b4 [24.Ng6+ Qxg6 25.Qxc5 Qe6 26.Qxf5=] 24...Na4
[24...Nd7-/+] 25.Qb3 Qd2? [25...g5!=/+] 26.Ng6+ hxg6 27.Rh3+ Qh6 28.Rxh6+ gxh6
29.Qxa4 b5 30.Qc2 Rac8 31.Rd1 e3 32.Qe2 f4 33.Qd3 e2 34.Re1 Kh7 35.Rxe2 Rxe2 36.Qxe2
Rxc3 37.Qe7+ Kg8 38.Qe8+ Kg7 39.Qe5+ Kf7 40.Qxc3 Ke6 41.Qc6+ 1-0
Game 135 – Penullar Giant Chess Set
Peter Mcgerald Penullar wins with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit attacking e6 against the Zeller
Defence. Penullar posted pictures of the game. Black made no knight moves, thus no rook
moves, and no castling! White used his entire army to win quickly. "Greeting Sir Tim! Sending
you again my tournament game held using a giant chess set here in a local town in Palawan
Philippines. And I had the pleasure of seeing the bewilderment of onlookers while I unleashed
the BDG against my opponent." Thanks Peter. I analyzed the game below.
Penullar - NN, Palawan Philippines, 2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5 4.f3 [4.g4!?]
4...exf3 5.Nxf3 [5.Qxf3] 5...Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 [8.h4!?] 8...e6 9.Bc4 [9.h4] 9...a6
[9...Qh4+! 10.Kf1 Bd6 11.Nxg6 hxg6 12.Ne4] 10.0-0 [10.Qf3!?] 10...Bd6 11.Nxg6 fxg6 [A wild
line would be 11...hxg6 12.Qf3 Qf6 13.Qxb7 Qxd4+ 14.Kg2 Qxc4 15.Qxa8+/-] 12.Bxe6 Bh2+
13.Kxh2 Qd6+ 14.Bf4 Qxe6 15.Re1 [Very nice game.] 1-0
Game 136 – Crompton 5.Nxf3
John Crompton as White defeated “catextremes” in a Live Chess game. The opening is a
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Zeller Variation 3...Bf5. Black delayed the development of a knight to
f6 until move 10. By then the White pieces were chasing Black’s uncastled king.
Crompton (1594) - catextremes (1592), Live Chess Chess.com, 08.02.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 Bf5 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 e6 6.Bc4 [6.Bd3!?] 6...h6 [6...Nf6] 7.0-0 c6? [7...Nd7 8.d5=]
8.Ne5 Nd7 [8...Ne7 9.g4+-] 9.Nxf7 Kxf7 10.Rxf5+ Ngf6 11.Ne4 b5 12.Bb3 Be7 13.c3 Re8
14.Qh5+ [14.Ng5+! Kg8 15.Bxe6+ Kh8 16.Nf7+ Kh7 17.Qd3+-] 14...Kg8 15.Bxe6+ Kh8
16.Bxh6 [16.Qh3+-] 16...gxh6 [16...Nxh5 17.Rxh5 gxh6 18.Rxh6+ Kg7-+] 17.Qxh6+ Nh7
18.Rf7 Ndf6 19.Nxf6 Bf8 20.Qxh7# 1-0
3.Nc3 c6
Game 137 – Gareyev Caro 4.f3
Timur Gareyev tried to take a Caro-Kann Defence and turn it into a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
The Russian Grandmaster Aleksandr Shimanov played the Black pieces. This Caro-Kann began
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4. Normally White recaptures 4.Nxe4 with a good game. The opening
theory of this position involves extensive deep analysis based on strategical understanding. A
tactically minded player like the Blindfold King Gareyev offered an invitation to play a
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit with 4.f3!? Black must play an early ...Nf6 by move seven to fully
transpose to some exact BDG position. GM Shimanov avoided the BDG until White went his
own way on move eight. I always find it interesting that a grandmaster rated 2642 would avoid
taking the gambit pawn. For a moment Black also avoided the draw by repetition. In the final
position, White had a very slight edge.
Gareyev (2617) - Shimanov (2642), 3rd Chinggis Invitational Burlingame USA (8), 25.02.2017
begins 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 e6 [7...Nf6 is a BDG
Teichmann.] 8.Bd2 [8.Be3 or 8.Qf2] 8...Nf6 [8...Qxd4 9.0-0-0 Nd7=] 9.0-0-0 [9.Qf2 Nbd7=]
9...Be7 [9...Qxd4 10.Bf4 Qb6 11.Be2 Be7 12.Qg3=] 10.g4 [10.Be1!?] 10...Qxd4 11.Nb5 Qb6
[11...cxb5 12.Qxb7 0-0 13.Qxe7 Nc6 14.Qa3 Qd5=/+] 12.Be3 Qa5 13.Bd2 Qb6 14.Be3 Qa5
15.Bd2 Qb6 16.Be3 c5 [16...Qa5 draw by repetition.] 17.Bf4 [Black could be in trouble, but he
will have some compensation for the Exchange after 17...0-0 18.Nc7 and 19.Nxa8+=] 1/2-1/2
3.Nc3 c5
Game 138 – Teglas 4.dxc5
Balazs Teglas of Hungary won this game against FM Gabor Farkas. Black reached the
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit by transposition. The normal BDG move order would be 1.d4 d5 2.e4
dxe4 3.Nc3 c5. White must decide what to do with the d4 pawn. In this game White took
4...dxc5. Black had a good position until White turned the tables.
Teglas (2203) - Farkas (2359), V4 Stiavnica Open 2016 Banska Stiavnica SVK (4.3),
05.07.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5 3.e4 dxe4 4.dxc5 Qxd1+ 5.Kxd1 Nf6 6.Bg5 Nc6 7.Bb5
Bg4+ 8.Ke1 h6 9.Be3 0-0-0 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.h3 Bf5 12.Nge2 e5 13.g4 Bg6 14.Ng3 Nd5
[14...h5=/+] 15.Ncxe4 Nb4 16.Rc1 Nxa2 17.Rd1 Rxd1+ 18.Kxd1 Nb4 19.c3 Nd5 20.Ke2 h5
21.Ra1 h4 22.Nf5 Bxf5 23.gxf5 Kb8 24.c4 Nxe3 25.fxe3 Rh5 [25...f6 26.Kf3+/-] 26.Rf1 [26.f6
gxf6 27.Nxf6+/-] 26...Be7 27.b4 Rh8 28.Rg1 Bf6 29.Nd6 Rf8 [29...e4 30.Nxe4+-] 30.Kd3 Kc7
31.Ke4 Rb8 [31...Be7 32.Rxg7 Bxd6 33.cxd6+ Kxd6 34.c5+ Kd7 35.Rh7+-] 32.b5 cxb5
33.cxb5 a6 34.Kd5 axb5 35.Ra1 b4 36.Ra7+ Kd8 37.Kc6 1-0
Game 139 – Steinbacher 3.Nc3 c5
FIDE Master Dr. Matthias Steinbacher backed into a Blackmar-Diemer Gambit in the 3.Nc3 c5
line. After 4.d5 the game transposed to an Albin-Counter Gambit Reversed. The move order
1.Nc3 d5 2.d4 c5 3.e4 reaches Sicilian Defence if the moves are played in reverse order: 1.e4 c5
2.d4 d5 3.Nc3. This is a Smith-Morra Gambit Avoided. I covered this line in my Sicilian
Defence book in the section 2.d4 d5. Dr. Steinbacher is an experienced player from Germany
who was born in 1951 according to FIDE. Playing Black was Malte Colpe rated 2394. He was
born in 1992. This BDG becomes an Albin Counter with an extra move. I analyzed some
possibilities starting with move five. White had good alternatives on moves 5, 6, and 9. White
was outplayed by a younger higher rated player. Congratulations to Malte Colpe!
Steinbacher (2182) - Colpe (2394), Pyramiden Cup 2016 Fuerth GER (5.4), 03.09.2016 begins
1.Nc3 d5 2.d4 c5 3.e4 dxe4 4.d5 Nf6 5.Bf4 [5.Nge2 e6 6.Bg5 Be7 7.dxe6 Qxd1+ 8.Rxd1 Bxe6
9.Nf4=] 5...a6 [5...g6 6.Qd2 Bg7 7.0-0-0 0-0 8.f3 exf3 9.Nxf3 Bg4 10.Be2 Nbd7=] 6.a4 [6.Nge2
b5 7.Ng3 Bb7 8.Ngxe4 Nxe4 9.Nxe4 Qxd5 10.Qxd5 Bxd5 11.Nxc5=] 6...g6 [6...Nbd7 7.f3 exf3
8.Nxf3 Nb6 9.Qe2 Qd7 10.Qe5=] 7.Bc4 Bg7 8.Nge2 0-0 9.h3 [9.0-0 Nbd7=] 9...Nbd7 10.Qd2
[10.0-0 Nb6 11.b3 Nxc4 12.bxc4 Nh5 13.Bh2 f5=/+] 10...Nb6 11.Ba2 e6 12.d6 Bd7 13.Bg5
[13.a5 Nbd5=/+] 13...Bc6 14.0-0 Nbd5 15.Ng3 Nxc3 16.bxc3 Qd7 17.Rad1 b6 18.a5 Nd5
19.Nxe4 f5 20.Ng3 [20.Bxd5 Bxd5=/+] 20...Nxc3 21.Ne2 [21.Ra1 b5-+] 21...Nxa2 22.c3 Bd5
23.Be7 Rfe8 24.axb6 Bc4 25.Rb1 Bxe2 26.b7 Rab8 27.Qxa2 Bxf1 28.Kxf1 Bf8 29.Bxf8 Rxf8
30.Qxa6 Rf7 31.Qd3 Rxb7 32.Ra1 Rf8 33.Ra6 Qb5 34.Ke2 c4 0-1
3.Nc3 f6
Game 140 – Aldgate 3…f6!?
Lev Zilbermints faced the International Master of England using the handle Aldgate. Black chose
the rare defense 3...f6. It was as if Black wanted to play the Blackmar Gambit against the
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. They reached a bishops of opposite color endgame. Black was a
pawn up. The master won in an impressive fashion.
Zilbermints (1935) - Aldgate (2085) ICC 3 2 Internet Chess Club, 30.12.2016 begins 1.d4 d5
2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 f6 4.f3 e5 5.fxe4 exd4 6.Nd5 c6 7.Nf4 Ne7 8.Bc4 Na6 [8...Ng6=/+] 9.Nf3 Nc7
10.Qxd4 Qxd4 11.Nxd4 Ng6 12.Nfe6 Nxe6 13.Nxe6 Bxe6 14.Bxe6 Bc5 15.Bd2 Ke7 16.Bh3
Bd4 17.0-0-0 Rad8 18.Bb4+ Kf7 19.Rhe1 [19.Ba5=] 19...Rhe8 [19...Nf4-/+] 20.g3 Ne5 21.Bg2
b6 [21...Nc4-/+] 22.h3 [22.Bd2 Ng4=/+] 22...Bf2 23.Rxd8 Rxd8 24.Rf1 Bxg3 25.Bc3 Ke6
26.Bxe5 Kxe5 27.Rf5+ Ke6 28.c3 [28.Rf3 Bd6-/+] 28...Rd3 [28...g5-/+] 29.Rf3 Rxf3 30.Bxf3
Ke5 31.Kd2 Kf4 32.Ke2 b5 [32...c5-/+] 33.e5 fxe5 34.Bxc6 a6 35.Bb7 a5 36.Bc6 b4 37.cxb4
axb4 38.a3 bxa3 39.bxa3 Bh2 40.a4 Bg1 41.a5 Kg3 42.Bd7 e4 43.Bf5 g6 44.Be6 Ba7 45.Bd7
h6 46.Be6 g5 47.a6 h5 48.Bf5 Kf4 49.Be6 Ke5 50.Bd7 Kf4 51.Be6 g4 52.hxg4 h4 53.Bd5 h3
54.Kf1 Kf3 55.Bxe4+ [55.g5 h2 56.Bxe4+ Kxe4 57.Kg2 Kf5=] 55...Kxe4 56.g5 Kf5 57.Ke2 h2
58.Kf3 h1Q+ 0-1
3.Nc3 g6
Game 141 – Malakhov 3...g6
Nils Grandelius of Sweden drew Vladimir Malakhov of Russia in a battle of two grandmasters.
This game transposes to 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 g6. White played the natural recapture 4.Nxe4
with an even position. The players drew a bishops of opposite color endgame.
Grandelius (2643) - Malakhov (2713) World Blitz 2016 Doha QAT (21.22), 30.12.2016 begins
1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Bg7 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.c3 Nd7 7.Bc4 Ngf6 8.Neg5 0-0 9.h3 Bxf3
10.Nxf3 e6 11.0-0 c5 12.dxc5 Nxc5 13.Qxd8 [13.Bf4 Qxd1 14.Raxd1=] 13...Rfxd8 14.Be3 Na4
15.Rab1 Nd5 16.Bg5 f6 17.Bd2 Kf7 18.Rfd1 a6 19.Bb3 Nc5 20.Bc2 Rac8 [20...b5=] 21.c4 Ne7
22.b4 Nd7 23.Bb3 Nc6 24.c5 Nde5 25.Nxe5+ Nxe5 [25...fxe5 26.Bc2+/=] 26.Bc3 Nd3 27.g3
Ke7 28.Bc4 [28.Bc2 Ne5 29.Rxd8 Kxd8 30.Rd1+ Ke7 31.Bb3+/-] 28...Ne5 29.Bxe5 fxe5 30.Bf1
[30.Rxd8 Rxd8 31.b5+/=] 30...Rd4 31.Bg2 Rc7 32.a3 Rcd7 33.Rxd4 [33.Re1+/=] 33...exd4
34.Rd1 [34.Be4=] 34...d3 35.a4 Bc3 36.b5 axb5 37.axb5 d2 38.b6 Kd8 39.Kf1 Kc8 40.c6 bxc6
41.Bxc6 Rd6 42.b7+ Kb8 43.Bf3 Rd4 44.Ke2 e5 45.Ke3 Rd6 46.Be4 h5 [46...Rd4 47.Bc6
Rc4=] 47.h4 [47.g4 h4 48.g5 Ba5 49.Ke2 Bd8 50.Rxd2 Rxd2+ 51.Kxd2 Bxg5+ 52.Kd3= and
White has the better half of a draw.] 47...Bd4+ 48.Kxd2 Bxf2+ 49.Ke2 Rxd1 50.Kxd1 1/2-1/2
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4
Game 142 – Damschi 5.f3 Huebsch
Gustavo Giovanni Damschi faced Francesco Noseda in a Huebsch Gambit. This avoids a
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit in theory by not in spirit. The Huebsch keeps the feel, the tactics, and
the strategy of a BDG. White has five reasonable responses after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4
(3...dxe4 4.f3 is a BDG) 4.Nxe4 dxe4. Options include 5.Bc4, 5.Be3, 5.Bf4, 5.c3, or 5.f3. Black
is up a pawn but is missing the helpful Nf6. White does have compensation. If Black is rated
over 2000 in a slow game, then White has his work cut out for him. If Black is rated below 2000
in a blitz game, White's chances skyrocket. The move 5.f3 is popular at the lower levels, but it is
probably the worst choice of the five given above. In this game White got a very good position
after a dozen moves. The tempting moves Ng5 and Bh7+ were premature. Black had the better
position after that and defended well.
Damschi (1775) - Noseda (1959) 3rd Floripa Open 2017 Florianopolis BRA (3.102), 21.01.2017
begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.f3?! [5.Be3!?] 5...e6 [5...e5!] 6.Bf4 [6.Be3]
6...Bd6 7.Bxd6 cxd6 8.Qd2 exf3 9.Nxf3 Nc6 10.Bd3 Qa5 11.c3 Bd7 12.0-0 0-0 13.Ng5?!
[13.Qf4!+/=] 13...h6?! [13...f5 14.Rae1 Rae8=/+] 14.Bh7+? [14.Ne4+/=] 14...Kh8 15.Nxf7+
Kxh7 16.Qd3+ g6 17.Rf6? [17.Qg3 Kg7-/+] 17...Ne7 18.Raf1 Kg7 19.g4 Be8 [19...Qxa2-+]
20.Qf3 Qd5 21.Qf2 [21.Nxd6 Qxf3 22.R6xf3 Rxf3 23.Rxf3 b6-+] 21...Bc6 22.Qg3 Ng8
23.R6f4 g5 24.R4f3 Rae8 25.h4 Re7 26.Qf2 Qxf3 0-1
Game 143 – Crompton Plays 5.f3
John Crompton as White won a game vs “Qu1ntana” in the Blackmar-Diemer Huebsch Gambit.
Crompton preferred the logical 5.f3!? As mentioned previously, this is probably not the best fifth
move choice, but at least it felt like a BDG. If Black accepted with 5...exf3 then in theory White
has full compensation for the gambit. In practice, Black has grabbed the pawn half the time
which makes the risk of 5.f3 worth the reward to some degree. Crompton demonstrated that
White can win quickly because he made immediate threats that must be taken seriously. Black
failed to defend accurately, and White enjoyed a checkmate.
Crompton (1609) - Qu1ntana (1545), Live Chess Chess.com, 06.02.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.f3!? exf3 [5...e5!-/+] 6.Nxf3 g6 [In another Crompton game
Black tried 6...Bg4 7.Bc4 (7.c3=) 7...e6 8.c3 Bd6 9.0-0 0-0 10.Bd3 Bxf3 11.Rxf3 Nd7 12.Bxh7+
(12.Qe2=) 12...Kh8 (12...Kxh7 13.Rh3+ Kg8 14.Qh5 f6-+) 13.Bd3 g6 14.Rh3+ Kg7 15.Bh6+
Kg8 16.Qg4 a6 17.Bxg6 Nf6 18.Qg5 Nh7 19.Bxh7+ Kxh7 20.Qg7 mate 1-0. Crompton -
sexsy11, Chess.com 2017] 7.Bc4 Bg7 8.0-0 0-0 9.c3 Nd7 10.Qe1 Nf6 11.Bg5 a6 12.Qh4 b5
13.Bb3 Bb7 14.Bh6 Bd5 15.Ng5 Bxb3? [15...Re8 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Rxf6 exf6 18.Qxh7+ Kf8
19.Rf1 Re2 20.Qh8+ Ke7 21.Qxf6+ Ke8 22.Qh8+ Ke7= drawn by repetition.] 16.Bxg7 [White
stands better after 16.axb3! Qd5 (16...Bh8 17.Bxf8 Kxf8 18.Nxh7+ Nxh7 19.Qxh7+-) 17.Bxg7
Kxg7 18.Rxf6 h6 19.Rxf7+ Rxf7 20.Nxf7 Qxf7 21.Rf1 Qe6 22.Re1+-] 16...Kxg7 17.Rxf6?!
[This sacrifice is tempting, but White should recapture the bishop first. 17.axb3 h6 18.Ne4=]
17...Kxf6? [Correct is 17...h6! Now if 18.Rf2 hxg5 19.Qxg5 Bd5-+ White is down a bishop.]
18.Rf1+ 1-0
Game 144 – Van Kerkhof Plays 5.Bf4
FIDE Master David Van Kerkhof won as White in a Huebsch Gambit. The Huebsch has
increased in popularity. This is due to the fact that the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit has a reputation
of being dangerous ground to enter. If the gambit was refuted, masters would never play it as
White, and defenders would accept the BDG pawn with glee as Black. White still gambits a
pawn on e4. The basic difference between the BDG (3...dxe4 4.f3) and the Huebsch (3...Nxe4
4.Nxe4) is Black's kingside knight. In the BDG it sits on Nf6 for defense. In the Huebsch that
knight is missing. It was quickly exchanged for White's queenside knight. This tournament game
played in the Netherlands sees Van Kerkhof vs Renzo Ducarmon. White's choice for developing
a bishop on move five is 5.Bf4 vs the Huebsch. Both 5.Be3 and 5.Bc4 are common alternatives.
The move 5.Bf4 has the advantage that it prepares a quick queenside castle. I am unsure about
the strength of the move 8.Qe3!? It worked this time. Further tests are needed.
Van Kerkhof (2318) - Ducarmon (2091), 9th OGD Prinsenstad 2016 Delft NED (2.5),
26.03.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bf4 e6 6.Qd2 c5 7.0-0-0 Nc6
8.Qe3!? Qd5 9.c4 Qf5 10.d5 Nd4 11.Ne2 e5 12.Bg3 h5 13.f3 exf3 14.Nxd4 cxd4 15.Qxe5+
Qxe5 16.Bxe5 Bg4 17.Rxd4 [17.Bxd4 fxg2 18.Re1+ Kd7 19.Bxg2=] 17...f6 18.Bg3 Bc5 19.Rd3
h4 20.Bf4 g5 21.Be3 fxg2 22.Bxg2 Rc8 23.Bxc5 Rxc5 24.Re1+ Kd7 25.Rd4 h3 26.Bh1 f5
27.b4 Rcc8 28.d6 Rhe8 29.Rxe8 Rxe8 30.Bxb7 Rb8 31.Ba6 Rxb4 32.Bb5+ Kd8 33.Rd5 a6
34.Bxa6 [34.a3+/-] 34...Ra4? [34...Be2 35.Rc5=] 35.Bb5 Rxa2 [Or 35...Rb4 36.Re5+-] 36.c5
Ra5 37.c6 1-0
Game 145 – Saeed 5.Be3 g6
IM Nasser Saeed defeated International Master Bjorn Moller Ochsner of Denmark in this ICC
blitz game. Black chose a Huebsch Gambit 3...Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 instead of the Blackmar-
Diemer Gambit 3...dxe4 4.f3. White played 5.Be3 which is one of his best choices vs the
Huebsch. Black fianchettoed with 5...g6. The players castled opposite sides. Black was better out
of the opening. White kept playing. After 27 moves, Black had an extra rook and four extra
pawns against White’s bishop and knight. Then Black hung a rook and everything fell. A dozen
moves later it as all over.
Saeed (2272) - Ochsner (2298), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 03.08.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6
2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Be3 g6 6.Qd2 Bg7 7.0-0-0 0-0 8.Bh6 Nc6 9.Ne2 Bg4 10.d5
Ne5 11.h4 c6 [11...Nc4!-+] 12.h5 [12.Bxg7 Kxg7 13.h5 Qxd5 14.Qf4 Qa5 15.hxg6 fxg6=/+]
12...Qxd5 13.Qf4 Qxa2 14.Nc3 Qa1+ 15.Nb1 Nd3+ 16.Bxd3 [16.Rxd3 Bxb2+ 17.Kd2 Qxb1
18.Qxg4 exd3 19.cxd3 Bc1+ 20.Ke2 Bxh6-+] 16...Qxb2+ 17.Kd2 Bxd1 [17...exd3! 18.Qxg4
dxc2-+] 18.Bxg7 Qxg7 19.hxg6 [19.Qxe4 Bxh5 20.g4 Bxg4 21.Qxg4 h5-+] 19...hxg6 [19...exd3
20.gxh7+ Kh8 21.Kxd1 Qb2-+] 20.Qxe4 Bxc2 21.Kxc2 b5 22.Nd2 a5 23.Nf3 a4 24.Ne5 Rfd8
[24...a3-+] 25.f4 a3 26.Kb3 a2 27.Ra1 [27.Kb2 a1Q+ 28.Rxa1 Rxa1 29.Kxa1 f6-+] 27...c5
[27...Ra4-+] 28.Bxb5 Rd4? [28...Rab8-+] 29.Qxa8+ Qf8 30.Qxf8+ Kxf8 31.Bc4 Rxf4 32.Rxa2
e6 33.Ra7 Kg7 34.Bxe6 Kf6 [34...Re4 35.Nxf7+-] 35.Rxf7+ Kxe5 36.Rxf4 Kxf4 37.Kc4 Kg3
38.Bd5 g5 39.Kxc5 Black resigns 1-0
Game 146 – Saeed 5.Be3 Bf5
International Master Nasser A. Saeed won against “FredyMatsuura” in a sharp Huebsch Gambit.
The book “Chess Openings for Black, Explained”, the repertoire of GM Roman
Dzindzichashvili, mentioned 5.Be3 Bf5 and considered 6.Ne2. IM Saeed played 6.Qd2 and 7.0-
0-0. He ignored the pawn minus for the moment. Black stood better during the opening. White
won pawns on moves 20 and 21. His pawn advantage remained throughout the rook and pawn
ending.
Saeed (2294) - FredyMatsuura (2212), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 08.08.2017 begins 1.d4
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Be3 Bf5 6.Qd2 e6 7.0-0-0 Nd7 8.d5 Bd6 9.Ne2 e5
10.Ng3 Bg6 11.h4 [11.f3!?] 11...h6 12.h5 Bh7 13.f3 f5 14.f4 exf4 15.Bxf4 Bxf4 16.Qxf4 Qg5
17.Qxg5 hxg5 18.h6 gxh6 19.Rxh6 f4 [19...0-0-0=/+] 20.Nxe4 0-0-0 21.Nxg5 Bf5 22.Rxh8
Rxh8 23.Ne6 Bxe6 24.dxe6 Nc5 25.Bc4 Re8 26.Re1 c6 27.b4 Na6 28.c3 Kd8 29.Bxa6 bxa6
30.Kc2 Ke7 31.Kd3 Rg8 32.Re2 Rg3+ 33.Kc4 Rg5 34.a4 Rg3 [34...a5 35.b5+/=] 35.Kd4 Rg4
36.Ke4 [36.Ke5+/-] 36...Rg3 [36...Kxe6 37.a5+/=] 37.Kd4 [37.Kxf4 Rxc3 38.g4+/-] 37...Rg5
38.Ke4 [38.a5+/=] 38...Rg3 39.c4 Rc3 40.Kd4 Ra3 [40...Rb3 41.Kc5+/-] 41.a5 Rg3 42.Kc5
Re3 43.Rf2 Rxe6 44.Rxf4 Rg6 45.g4 Rf6 Black resigns 1-0
Game 147 – Saeed 6.Qd2 e6
International Master Nasser Saeed defeated “akita” in the same line as the previous game. A
couple months earlier Saeed won against this same player in Game 116. This time White played
1.d4. They reached a Huebsch Gambit 5.Be3 Bf5. Black was up one pawn, and then two pawns,
and then three. But one tactical oversight on move 36 cost Black a queen for a rook.
Saeed (2059) - akita (1891), ICC 5 0 Internet Chess Club, 11.07.2017 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6
3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Be3 Bf5 6.Qd2 e6 7.0-0-0 c6 8.f3 Bg6 9.h4 h6 10.h5 Bh7 11.fxe4
Bxe4 12.Nf3 Nd7 13.Bd3 Bxd3 14.Qxd3 Be7 15.g4 Qa5 16.Kb1 0-0-0 17.Rhf1 Nf6 [17...Kb8
18.Bf4+ Ka8 19.Qe2=] 18.Ne5 Rhf8 19.Bf4 [19.Qe2+/=] 19...Nd5 [19...Qd5 20.Qe2=] 20.Bg3
[20.Bd2 Nb4 21.Bxb4 Qxb4 22.Rxf7 Rxf7 23.Nxf7+/=] 20...Bf6 21.a3 Bxe5 22.Bxe5 f6 23.Bg3
Rfe8 24.c4 Nc7 25.b4?! [25.Ka1=] 25...Qa4 26.Kb2 e5 27.d5 [27.Rfe1 Ne6-+] 27...cxd5
28.cxd5 Rxd5 29.Qf5+ Kb8 30.Rxd5 Nxd5 31.Rc1 Nxb4 [31...a5-+] 32.Rc4 Rd8 33.Be1
[33.axb4 Rd2+ 34.Kc3 Rd8 35.Kb2=] 33...Qb5 34.Rxb4 Qe2+ 35.Qc2 Qxe1 36.Rc4 Qd2?
[36...a5! 37.Re4 Qg1-+] 37.Rc8+ Rxc8 38.Qxd2 Black resigns 1-0
3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4
Game 148 – Mellado Trivino 5…e6
Blackmar-Diemer players frequently reach their 1.d4 d5 gambit after 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4
dxe4 4.f3 (the BDG starting position). In this game International Master Juan Mellado Triviño
was sidetracked from the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit by the Huebsch Gambit. FIDE Master Jorge
Humberto Cuartas Medina played 3…Nxe4 instead of the 3…dxe4 4.f3. Cuartas Medina from
Colombia was born in 1984. He earned his FM title in 2008. Huebsch Gambit after 3…Nxe4
4.Nxe4 dxe4 leaves White with the choice of which bishop to develop. This time Juan Mellado
Trivino chose the popular move 5.Bc4. Other common options analyzed by Christoph Scheerer
and by myself are 5.Bf4 (to cover e5) or 5.Be3 (to protect d4). Black chose 5.Bc4 e6. This leads
to equal chances. White got into a little trouble with his own move 17.dxc5?! IM Mellado
Trivino managed to escape Black’s threats.
Mellado Trivino (2426) - Cuartas Medina (2284), TCh-CAT GpB Final 2016 Barcelona ESP
(3.4), 09.04.2016 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 e6 6.c3! Nd7 [6...Nc6
7.Nh3=] 7.Qe2 Nf6 8.f3 c5 [8...exf3 9.Nxf3=] 9.Be3 Qc7 [9…Be7 10.dxc5=] 10.Bb5+
[10.fxe4=] 10...Bd7 11.Bxd7+ Qxd7 12.0-0-0 0-0-0 13.fxe4 Nxe4 14.Nf3 Qc7 15.Rhf1 Bd6
16.g3 f5 17.dxc5?! [17.Ng5=] 17...Bxc5 18.Bxc5 Nxc5 19.Nd4 Rhe8 20.g4 g6 21.Nb5 Qb6
22.Rxd8+ Rxd8 23.Qc4 [23.Kc2 Ne4-/+] 23...a6 [23...Kb8-+] 24.Nd4 Kb8 25.Re1 Ka7 26.gxf5
exf5 27.Re7 Rd7 28.Re8 Rc7 29.Qg8 Qd6 [29...Nd3+!-+] 30.Ra8+ Kb6 31.Qc4 Qf4+ 32.Kd1
Qg4+ 33.Kc2 Qg2+ 34.Kc1 Qg1+ 35.Kc2 Qxh2+ 36.Kc1 Qh1+ 37.Kc2 Qe4+ 38.Kd2 1/2-1/2
Game 149 – Sheldrick Srdic 5…Qd6
Kevin Sheldrick sent a nice Huebsch Gambit from the Checkmate Open His opponent was Goran
Srdic. The opening was a BDG Huebsch Gambit with 5.Bc4 Qd6. The critical line is 6.c3 Nc6
7.Ne2 e5 8.0-0 exd4 9.cxd4 =. Now to the game. Kevin Sheldrick wrote: “Hi Tim! There is a
movie doing the rounds at the moment in the local cinemas here in Australia called "The BFG",
based on a book by Roald Dahl. As a pseudo homage to the topical movie title, I played a BDG
in the local tournament today. My taller opponent was, indeed, a "big friendly giant", and was
very gracious after the game. Usually he does not play in such a pawn-grabbing fashion as he did
in this game, but he was in territory he was not that familiar with in the opening as he would
have been if I had played a more conventional opening like the Queen's Gambit. I liked my
development advantage after the first ten moves :). “Have fun! Kevin” Thank you Kevin for
sharing your game. That was a beautiful finish!
Sheldrick (2151) - Srdic (2121), Adelaide, Australia, 10.07.2016 begins 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3!? Nf6
3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Qd6!? 6.c3 Qg6 [?! - Scheerer] 7.Ne2 Qxg2 8.Rg1 Qxh2 9.Bf4
Qh5 10.Qb3 h6? [10...e6= Stockfish] 11.Bxc7 g5 12.0-0-0 Bg7 13.Nf4! gxf4 14.Rxg7 e6 15.d5
Na6 16.dxe6 Nxc7 17.exf7+ Ke7 18.Qa3+ Kf6 19.f8Q+ Rxf8 20.Qxf8+ Ke5 21.Re7+ [and
Black resigned. If 21...Be6, then 22. Rxe6! Nxe6 23. Rd5 mate.] 1-0 [Notes by Sheldrick]
Game 150 – Sheldrick Ikeda 5...Bf5
Kevin Sheldrick sent an interesting Blackmar-Diemer Huebsch Gambit. Sheldrick writes (edited
for space): “Hi Tim, I got a chance to play the BDG against the 2013 Chess Champion of Japan,
IM Junta Ikeda (AUS). He spent time trying to work out how to play, but played very admirably.
At move 16 I decided, instead of trying to defend a slightly worse position with unlikely
prospects against an International Disaster, to go in for a piece sacrifice in true BDG spirit.
Unfortunately, though, it was completely losing, oops :). Was fun though.” Thanks Kevin. I
enjoyed that. You built up such an attack against a title player!
Sheldrick (2139) - Ikeda (2397), Ballarat Begonia Open, 14.03.2016 beings 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Bf5 6.c3 e6 7.g4 Bg6 8.Qb3 Qc8 9.Ne2 Bd6 10.h4 h5 11.Rg1
Nc6 [11...a6 12.gxh5 Bxh5 13.Nf4 etc., with compensation for white (Sheerer); or 11...hxg4
12.Rxg4 a6? 13.Rxg6+- (Scheerer) but Ikeda's move seems to be more combative] 12.gxh5
Bxh5! [12...Rxh5 13.Rxg6!+/= and the attack on the black e-pawn creates great compensation]
13.Rxg7 [This costs time, which is more important than re-establishing material parity]
[Stockfish 13.Nf4=] 13...Kf8 14.Rg1 Na5 15.Qb5 Nxc4 16.Qg5?! [Losing, but 16.Qxc4=/+ is
unlikely to trouble the IM.] 16...e3! [I hoped for 16...Bg6 17.Qf6! Rg8 18.h5 Bxh5?? 19.Bh6+
Ke8 20.Rxg8+ +-; or 16...Be7?? 17.Qg7+ Ke8 18.Qxh8+, but 16...e3! takes white's c1-bishop
out of the action and I'm a piece down.] 17.b3 [Now the International Disaster clinically
punishes me.] 17...Nd2 18.Bxd2 exd2+ 19.Kxd2 Qd8 20.Qg7+ Ke7 21.Ng3 Bf4+ 22.Ke1 Rg8
23.Nxh5 Rxg7 24.Rxg7 Qd5 25.Nxf4 Qh1+ 26.Ke2 Qxa1 and White resigned. 0-1 [Notes by
Sheldrick]
Game 151 – Hofmann 6.c3 e6
Marko Hofmann of Germany won against Ole Zeuner of Germany in a Blackmar-Diemer
Huebsch Gambit. Both players developed their light squared bishops on move five. Gradually
White got an advantage. Black missed a chance to equalize on move 23. White won the
Exchange with doubled but passed c-pawns. Play continued until Black could not blockade the
pawns.
Hofmann (1812) - Zeuner (1567), ch-GER Youth U25 2016 Willingen GER (1.45), 15.05.2016
begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Bf5 6.c3 e6 7.Qb3 Be7 8.Qxb7 Nd7
9.f3 [9.Ne2 0-0 10.0-0=] 9...exf3 10.Nxf3 0-0 11.0-0 c5 12.Kh1 Qc8 13.Qxc8 Raxc8 14.Ba6
Rb8 15.a4 Rfd8 16.Bb5 f6 17.Bf4 Rb7 18.Ba6 [18.Rae1+/=] 18...Rxb2 19.Bc7 Rf8 20.Rae1
Bd8 [20...Rf7=] 21.Bd6 Rf7 [21...Re8=] 22.Nh4 Rb6 [22...Bg4 23.dxc5+/-] 23.Bc4 [23.Nxf5!
Rxa6 24.Rxe6+-] 23...Rxd6 [23...Bd3! 24.Bxd3 Rxd6 25.Bc4=] 24.Nxf5 exf5 25.dxc5 Rd2
26.Rd1 Rxd1 27.Rxd1 Kf8 28.Bxf7 Ke7 29.c6 Ne5 30.Bd5 Bc7 31.Rb1 Kd6 [31...a6
32.Rb7+/-] 32.Rb7 a5 33.c4 Nd3 34.Rb3 [34.Rb5 Nc5 35.Bf3+/-] 34...Nc5 [34...Ne5 35.Rb5+/-]
35.Re3 [35.Rh3+-] 35...g6 36.Re8 [36.Rh3+/-] 36...h5 [36...Nxa4 37.Re6+ Kc5 38.Rxf6+/-]
37.Rf8 Nxa4 38.Rxf6+ Ke7 [38...Kc5 39.Rxg6+-] 39.Rf7+ [39.Re6+ Kd8 40.Rxg6+-] 39...Kd6
[39...Kd8 40.Rg7+-] 40.Rd7+ 1-0
4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Nc6
Game 152 – Grandelius 6.c3 e5
Edwin Huber of Germany faced Grandmaster Nils Grandelius of Sweden in a BDG Huebsch
Gambit. White tried to play a middlegame with the better bishop. The grandmaster as Black
transitioned the game into a rook ending and outplayed his opponent.
Huber (2144) - Grandelius (2641), GRENKE Chess Open 2017 Karlsruhe GER (1.10),
13.04.2017 begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Nc6 6.c3 e5 7.d5 [7.Qb3!?]
7...Ne7 8.f3 Nf5 [8...exf3 9.Nxf3 f6 10.0-0 Nf5=/+] 9.Bb5+ Bd7 10.Bxd7+ Qxd7 11.fxe4 Nd6
12.Qe2 0-0-0 13.Nf3 Qg4 14.Nd2 Qxe2+ 15.Kxe2 g6 16.c4 f5 17.b3 Bh6 18.Ba3 Bxd2
19.Bxd6 Bc3 [19...cxd6 20.Kxd2=] 20.Rac1 Bb2 21.Rb1 [21.Be7 Rd7 22.Rb1 Bd4 23.Bg5 fxe4
24.Be3=] 21...cxd6 22.Rxb2 fxe4 23.Rf1 Rhf8 24.Rxf8 Rxf8 25.Ke3 Kc7 26.Kxe4 [26.Rf2
Rxf2 27.Kxf2 a5 28.a3 b5 29.cxb5 Kb6 30.a4=] 26...a5 27.g3 Rf1 28.Rc2 h5 29.h3 Re1+
30.Kf3 Kb6 31.g4 Kc5 32.Kg3 hxg4 33.h4 [33.hxg4 a4=/+] 33...e4 34.Kf2 Rh1 35.Ke3 g3
36.Rg2 Rh2 37.Rxg3 Rxa2 38.Kxe4 a4 39.Kf4 [39.bxa4 Rxa4=/+] 39...a3 40.Rxg6 Rf2+
41.Ke3 a2 42.Rg1 Rb2 0-1
Game 153 – Hofmann 7.Qb3 Qf6
Marko Hofmann of Germany won against Jan Dette. They castled opposite sides on move 11.
White got a strong attack. Black went wrong in complications despite being the higher rated
player. White built up an attack on the g-file and won the Exchange.
Hofmann (1837) - Dette (2039), ch-GER Youth U25 2017 Willingen GER (2.20), 04.06.2017
begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Nc6 6.c3 e5 7.Qb3!? [White takes aim
at f7. Another idea is 7.d5 Ne7 8.f3 exf3 9.Nxf3 with typical BDG positions.] 7...Qf6 8.d5 [Four
rounds later White lost to Rieper after 8.Be3. See next game.] 8...Nd8 [8...Bc5! forces White to
defend f2.] 9.h4 h6 10.Be3 [10.Ne2 Be7 11.Ng3=] 10...Bd6 11.0-0-0 0-0 12.Ne2 Bg4 13.Rdg1
Bxe2 [13...Qe7 14.f3=] 14.Bxe2 Qe7 [14...b6 15.Qc2+/=] 15.g4 Bc5 16.g5 Bxe3+ 17.fxe3 Qd6
[17...h5 18.Bxh5+/=] 18.Qc4 c6 19.dxc6 Qxc6 20.gxh6 Qxh6 21.Qxe4 Ne6 22.Rh3 Rac8
23.Rhg3 Rc5 24.Bc4 Rxc4 25.Qxc4 Rd8 26.Qe4 Qh5 27.Qg4 [Or 27.Qxb7+-] 27...Qh7 28.Qe2
Qe4 29.Qf3 Qc4 [29...Qxf3 30.Rxf3+-] 30.Qf6 Kf8 31.Rxg7 Nxg7 32.Qxd8+ Ne8 33.Qa5 1-0
Game 154 – Hofmann vs Rieper
Marko Hofmann lost to Julian Rieper in Germany in a Blackmar-Diemer Huebsch Gambit.
White tried in vain to sacrifice the g-pawn in an effort to attack kingside. Black attacked
queenside while White was unable to make damaging threats to the kingside.
Hofmann (1837) - Rieper (2064). ch-GER Youth U25 2017 Willingen GER (6.17), 07.06.2017
begins 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Nc6 6.c3 e5 7.Qb3 Qf6 8.Be3 Qg6
[8...exd4 9.cxd4 Bb4+ 10.Kf1 Ba5-/+] 9.0-0-0 [9.Ne2!?] 9...Bd6 [9...exd4!-+] 10.h4 h5
[10...exd4-+] 11.d5 [11.Ne2 0-0-/+] 11...Nb8 12.Qc2 0-0 13.Ne2 f5 14.Bg5 [14.f4!?] 14...f4
15.f3 Bf5 16.fxe4 Bxe4 17.Bd3 Bxd3 18.Rxd3 Nd7 19.b4 [19.c4 Nc5-+] 19...a5 20.a3 [20.b5
Qe4-+] 20...b5 [Or 20...axb4 21.cxb4 Bxb4 22.axb4 Ra1+ 23.Kd2 Rxh1-+] 21.Rg1 Nb6 22.g4
hxg4 23.Rxg4 Nc4 24.h5 Qxh5 25.Rh4 Qxg5 0-1
Game 155 – Grandelius 7.Qb3 Qd7
Einar Valdimarsson of Iceland found a winning finish against Grandmaster Nils Grandelius of
Sweden. The players reached a rook and minor piece endgame. White’s knight always seemed
find just the right move to stay alive. Black tried to avoid a draw and make progress on the
kingside when all of a sudden he walked into a mating combination and lost.
Valdimarsson (2029) - Grandelius (2646) Reykjavik Open 2016 ISL (1.8), 08.03.2016 begins
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4 4.Nxe4 dxe4 5.Bc4 Nc6 6.c3 e5 7.Qb3 Qd7 8.dxe5 Nxe5 9.Bf4
Bd6 [9...Nd3+ 10.Bxd3 exd3 11.Nf3 Bd6 12.Bxd6 Qxd6 13.Qb5+ Bd7 14.Qe5+ Qxe5+ 15.Nxe5
Be6 16.Nxd3 0-0-0 17.0-0-0 Bxa2-/+] 10.Rd1 Nxc4 11.Qxc4 0-0 12.Ne2 Qe6 13.Qxe6 Bxe6
14.Bxd6 cxd6 15.Rxd6 Bxa2 16.Nd4 [16.Kd2 Rad8=/+] 16...Rfd8 17.Rxd8+ Rxd8 18.b3
[18.Ke2 Bc4+ 19.Ke3 g6 20.g4=] 18...Bb1 19.Kd2 Bd3 20.f3 f5 21.Ra1 a6 22.Ra5 Bf1 23.fxe4
fxe4 24.Rg5 h6 25.Rg3 Rd7 26.Ke3 Bd3 27.b4?! [27.Rg6=] 27...Kh7 [27...Kf7=/+] 28.Ne6
Re7 29.Nc5 Bb1 30.Kd4 b6 31.Nxa6 Rd7+ 32.Ke3 g5 33.b5 Rd5 34.Nb4 Rxb5 35.Kd4 Rf5
36.c4 Rf1 37.Rb3 Rd1+ 38.Ke3 Re1+ 39.Kd4 Rd1+ 40.Ke3 Rg1 41.Rb2 Kg6 42.Nd5 Kf5
43.Rxb6 Ba2 [43...Ke5 44.Rb5=] 44.Ne7+ [44.Kd4+/=] 44...Kg4 [44...Ke5=] 45.Kf2 Rc1 [Or
45...Kf4 46.Ng6+ Kf5 47.Kxg1+-] 46.h3+ Kf4 47.Ng6+ [If 47...Kf5 48.g4 mate] 1-0
Index of Names to Games
28AVEBURY – 28
Aasen – 34
Adam – 72
Adar – 42
Akhrass – 26
akita – 116, 147
Aldgate – 140
AlexAlexeev – 24
alexser – 128
Alright2015 – 113
Anderson – 104, 121
Andrade – 38
Andre – 69
Atalik – 114
ATtheGreat – 125
banane – 92
bariton – 97
Batakafwa Biabu – 134
Beinrucker – 98
Beltran Rueda – 20
Bhend – 102
Bjorfin – 129
Blumel – 80
Bondick – 102
Bonin – 99
Buiza Prieto – 47
Buschmann – 55
Caiossauro – 58
catextremes – 136
Chaignet – 108
Charlemagne – 73
Christensen – 71
Clauser – 120
Cmt-il – 3
coloradojeff – 52
Colpe – 139
Crevatin – 71
Crompton – 22, 25, 27, 28, 136, 143
Cuadras Avellana – 21
Cuartas Medina – 148
Dalling – 9
Damschi – 142
Danieli – 33
De Vries – 81
Demuth – 107
Dette – 153
Diemer – 21, 60
Djmilen – 50
Doctor67 – 100
Dowling – 123
Dreev – 70, 113
Drill – 54, 98
Dubois – 5
Ducarmon – 144
El Jawich – 26
Esplugas Esteve – 112
evgeny1955 – 41
Farkas – 138
Ferreira – 36
Fleischmann – 44, 92, 96
Forman – 126
FredyMatsuura – 146
Fridthjofsdottir – 6
Gallasch – 12
Gamboa – 9
Garcia Fernandez – 47
Gareyev – 67, 68, 137
Garista – 33
Gelman – 130
Gilner – 64
Grandelius – 141, 152, 155
Grimm – 18
Grunert – 39
Gultekin – 17
Hafez – 127
Haines – 24
Haley – 15
Halvorsen – 66
Hampel – 80
Harmonicus – 35
Harnandan – 130
Hartelt – 3, 19, 52, 75, 129
Henris – 101, 108
Herbrechtsmeier – 40, 73, 86
Hergott – 105
Hernando – 91, 95
Hofmann – 12, 39, 151, 153, 155
Huber – 152
Huber-Delle – 2, 6, 7
Hussein – 127
IgoR-NiK – 131
Ikeda – 150
Isler - 109
Ivanov – 132
jessjacksonbrown – 22
jmp60 – 4
Jonsson – 30
Judkins – 68
JulyZerg – 93
Kamel – 78
Kandic – 10
KillerGrob – 118
Kiramalu – 84
Koch – 56
Konez – 29
Kragh – 122
Kramer – 1
Kristjansson – 77
Lapusan – 10
Le Duigou – 13
Leisebein – 62, 106
Leveller – 35, 72
Lotus-Eater – 86
Maba – 53
Madsen – 11, 16, 34
magnolia82 – 96
Malakhov – 141
Manooura – 89
Martinez de Negri – 23
McKerracher – 13
Mellado Trivino – 110, 112, 148
Mongiello – 134
Naesborg – 66
Ni Mhuireagain – 82
Nilsson – 76
nisapradila – 15
NN – 14, 31, 45, 51, 135
NoamChomsky – 49
Normand – 14, 87, 131
Noseda – 142
Oblique – 74
Ochsner – 145
Olsen – 122
Over-Rated – 70
Pascot – 5
Pegaz – 65
Peilen – 32, 56, 59, 64, 69
Penullar – 45, 135
Petelin – 103
Petraitis – 54
petrorebro – 75
Potaux – 101
Price – 58
Professor5000 – 19
Protej – 57
Puglia – 30
Punchev – 132
Qu1ntana – 143
Quiñones Borda – 62, 106
Ragaa – 78
Rasmussen – 83
Reeve – 25
Reinhard – 8
Ribeiro – 36
Richter – 88
Rieper – 154
Rihouey – 79
Rogercaballero74 – 43
Rommeck – 109
Rotenstein – 88
Rothman – 85
Saeed – 20, 46, 84, 85, 97, 103, 116, 128, 145, 146, 147
Sandipan – 110
Sanhueza – 117
Satre – 16
Sawyer – 49, 57, 118, 119, 120,123, 124, 125, 126
Saya – 79
Schwertner – 53
SergiyE2E4 – 27
Seyhanoglu – 17
Sheldrick – 31, 50, 51, 107, 149, 150
Shimanov – 137
Slipak – 23
smc000130 – 133
Sobh – 37
Softrain – 40
Sorensen – 111
Spanton – 121
Spreer – 1
Spyrison – 81
Srdic – 149
Steinbacher – 139
Steinbrenner – 115
Steingrimsson – 7
Steppo23 – 44
Svane – 11
SweepxthexLeg – 93
Teglas – 138
TheCurse – 89
Thorarensen – 2
Thorsteinsson – 77
Tocco – 61
Torning – 133
Toth – 90
Tristan – 117
Tumova – 82
Unruh – 60
Valcarcel – 38
Valdimarsson – 155
van Ee – 124
Van Kerkhof – 144
Vandenbroucke – 119
Vazquez – 67
Vigh – 18
Vihon – 55
Voigt – 115
Vujicic – 8
Wakeham – 59
Wantiez – 61
Wehmeier – 94
Wiander – 76, 111
Wight – 4, 41, 43, 83
Williamson – 104
Yaqootwahba – 87
Yarar – 29
yozhik – 48
Zanan – 42
ZeroKool – 63
Zeuner – 151
Ziemak – 32
Zilbermints – 37, 48, 63, 65, 74, 90, 91, 94, 95, 99, 100, 105, 114, 140
zoujun1966 – 46
By Tim Sawyer
This Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 6 is a step by step basic chess opening guide to your gambit
repertoire for White. This Playbook illustrates with 200 diagrams one simple plan for White
using the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
The book covers the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit after1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 and 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
d5 3.e4 Nxe4. You can offer material in this gambit to gain big advantages against the normal
moves of your opponent. Attack and win!
Most chess opening books cover far more variations and positions than one can possibly
remember. This Playbook series reduces your work to help you quickly understand what you
need to know to win with the Blackmar-Diemer.
This playbook provides guidance for White. This opening is well suited for players who like to
attack. The author likes gambits that often win. He selected lines that reduce the element of risk
and increase the likelihood of success.
This Playbook is a tool to help you easily prepare to play your opening. The 200 diagrams in this
playbook cover the variations that you are most likely to face.
It is White’s move in every diagram. The author gives one reasonable move for White in each
position with analysis on what to expect from the position. Be prepared!
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3
Diagram 1 after 1.d4 d5
2.e4
Blackmar played this move with the idea of 3.f3.
Diagram 2 after 2.e4 dxe4
3.Nc3
Diemer played this move with the idea of 4.f3.
Diagram 3 after 3.Nc3 Nf6
4.f3
This position begins the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
Diagram 4 after 4.f3 exf3
5.Nxf3
5.Nxf3 is better in theory than the tricky but risky 5.Qxf3.
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5
Diagram 5 after 5.Nxf3 Bg4
6.h3
White does best to challenge the Teichmann bishop.
Diagram 6 after 6.h3 Bh5
7.g4
This breaks the pin. If 7…Nxg4 8.hxg4 Bxg4 9.Qe2 is strong.
Diagram 7 after 7.g4 Bg6
8.Ne5
The knight aims at f7 and g6. Now 8…c6, 8…Nbd7 or 8…e6
Diagram 8 after 8.Ne5 c6
9.h4
If 9…e6 White attacks the bishop with 10.h5.
Diagram 9 after 8.Ne5 Nbd7
9.Qf3
The queen attacks b7. If 9…c6 10.Nxg6 doubles g-pawns.
Diagram 10 after 8.Ne5 e6
9.Qf3
Black usually defends b7. If 9…Qxd4 10.Nxg6 and 11.Qxb7.
Diagram 11 after 9.Qf3 Nd5
10.Bc4
If 10…Nxc3 11.bxc3. If Black plays 10…Bxc2 11.Qxf7 mate.
Diagram 12 after 9.Qf3 c6
10.g5
White drives away the knight that blocks f7.
Diagram 13 after 10.g5 Qxd4
11.Nxg6
If 11…hxg6 12.gxf6 White has a bishop for three pawns.
Diagram 14 after 10.g5 Nfd7
11.Nxg6
If 11…hxg6 12.Bf4 and White is ready to castle queenside.
Diagram 15 after 10.g5 Bh5
11.Qf2
White may continue 12.Be2 attacking the defender of f7.
Diagram 16 after 10.g5 Nh5
10.Bd3
White offers the d4 pawn to speed up development.
Diagram 17 after 10.Bd3 Qxd4
11.Nxg6
If 11…hxg6 12.Rf1 and White attacks f7.
Diagram 18 after 10.g5 Nd5
11.Bd3
Now if the bishops are exchanged, White mates on f7.
Diagram 19 after 11.Bd3 Nd7
12.Nxg6
If 12…hxg6 13.0-0 threatening 14.Qxf7 mate.
Diagram 20 after 11.Bd3 Qc7
12.Bxg6
If 12…hxg6 13.0-0 with strong pressure along the f-file.
Diagram 21 after 6.h3 Bxf3
7.Qxf3
If 7…Qxd4 8.Qxb7 and White mates or wins material.
Diagram 22 after 7.Qxf3 Nc6
8.Bb5
If 8…Qd6 9.d5 White gets the better position.
Diagram 23 after 7.Qxf3 c6
8.Be3
The bishop defends d4. Black has 8…Nd5, 8…Nbd7, 8…e6.
Diagram 24 after 8.Be3 Nd5
9.Bc4
If 9…e6 10.0-0 threatens checkmate in one move.
Diagram 25 after 8.Be3 Nbd7
9.Bd3
If 9…e5 10.0-0. If 9…e6 10.0-0 see 8…e6 9.Bd3 Nbd7.
Diagram 26 after 8.Be3 e6
9.Bd3
The bishop aims at h7. Black has several options.
Diagram 27 after 9.Bd3 Bb4
10.0-0
If 10…Bxc3 11.bxc3 and White might try Rab1 or Rae1.
Diagram 28 after 9.Bd3 Be7
10.0-0
If 10…Nbd7 11.Rf2. An interesting alternative is 10.0-0-0.
Diagram 29 after 9.Bd3 Bd6
10.0-0
If 10…Qc7 11.Bh6 Bf8 12.Bf4 is a unique tactic.
Diagram 30 after 10.0-0 0-0
11.Ne4
If 11…Nxe4 12.Qxe4 threatens mate. If 12…g6 13.Bh6.
Diagram 31 after 9.Bd3 Nbd7
10.0-0
Now Black has 10…Qc7, 10…Bb4, 10…Bd6, or 10…Be7.
Diagram 32 after 10.0-0 Qc7
11.Ne4
White may push a pawn to c3 or c4. If 11…Nxe4 12.Qxf7+.
Diagram 33 after 10.0-0 Bb4
11.Ne4
If 11…0-0 12.Nxf6+ Nxf6 13.c3 and Rae1.
Diagram 34 after 10.0-0 Bd6
11.Ne4
Again if 11…Nxe4 then 12.Qxf7 checkmate.
Diagram 35 after 10.0-0 Be7
11.Rf2
White intends to double rooks on the f-file.
Diagram 36 after 11.Rf1 Qa5
12.a3
White plans to attack queenside if Black castles there.
Diagram 37 after 11.Rf2 0-0
12.Raf1
Black has moves such as 12…Nd5, 12…Qa5, and 12…Nb6.
Diagram 38 after 12.Raf1 Nd5
13.Qe4
If 13…N7f6 14.Rxf6. If 13…f5 14.Qxe6+. If 13…g6 14.Bh6.
Diagram 39 after 12.Raf1 Qa5
13.Qg3
If 13…Qb4 14.Qh4 White offers another pawn to attack.
Diagram 40 after 12.Raf1 Nb6
13.Ne4
All the White pieces are brought to bear on the kingside.
5.Nxf3 e6
Diagram 41 after 5.Nxf3 e6
6.Bg5
Black has 6…h6, 6…c5, 6…Nbd7, 6…Bb4, and 6…Be7.
Diagram 42 after 6.Bg5 h6
7.Bxf6
If 7…Qxf6 8.Bb5+ and 9.0-0. If 7…gxf6 8.Qd3.
Diagram 43 after 6.Bg5 c5
7.Bxf6
If 7…Qxf6 8.Bb5+. If 7…gxf6 8.d5.
Diagram 44 after 6.Bg5 Nbd7
7.Bd3
Many lines transpose. If 7…c5 8.d5 exd5 9.Nxd5.
Diagram 45 after 6.Bg5 Bb4
7.Bd3
The Black bishop belongs on Be7 to strengthen the Nf6.
Diagram 46 after 7.Bd3 Bxc3+
8.bxc3
Black has made White’s d4 stronger. Wonderful!
Diagram 47 after 6.Bg5 Be7
7.Bd3
Black has 7…h6, 7…c5, 7…0-0, 7…Nbd7, and 7…Nc6.
Diagram 48 after 7.Bd3 h6
8.Bxf6
There’s no need to back off. If 8…Bxf6 9.Ne4.
Diagram 49 after 7.Bd3 c5
8.dxc5
If 8…Qa5 9.0-0 Qxc5+ 10.Kh1 and White plans to attack.
Diagram 50 after 7.Bd3 0-0
8.0-0
White aims all minor pieces, rooks, and queen at the king.
Diagram 51 after 8.0-0 Nbd7
9.Qe1
White plays for 10.Qh4 aiming at f6 and h7.
Diagram 52 after 9.Qe1 c5
10.Qh4
If 10…h6 11.Bxh6. If 10…cxd4 11.Bxh7+. If 10…Re8 11.Ne5.
Diagram 52 after 7.Bd3 Nbd7
8.Qe2
White plays to avoid 8.0-0 c5, but if 8…Nbd7 see 7…Nbd7.
Diagram 53 after 8.Qe2 0-0
9.0-0-0
White castles opposite sides to push the kingside pawns.
Diagram 55 after 9.0-0-0 b6
10.h4
White is more active. If 10…Bb7 11.Ne5.
Diagram 56 after 9.0-0-0 h6
10.h4
Now if 10…Nd5 11.Nxd5 Bxg5+ 12.hxg5 exd5 13.gxh6.
Diagram 57 after 7.0-0 Nc6
8.a3
White sets a trap. If 8…Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 10.Bb5+ wins.
Diagram 58 after 8.a3 0-0
9.Qd2
White is ready to castle and attack.
Diagram 59 after 8.a3 h6
9.Bf4
If 9…Nd5 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.0-0 with kingside chances.
Diagram 60 after 9.Bf4 Bd6
10.Qd2
If 10…Bxf4 11.Qxf4, but if instead 10…0-0 11.Bxh6 works.
5.Nxf3 g6
Diagram 61 after 5.Nxf3 g6
6.Bc4
Black has 6…c6, 6…e6, 6…Bg4, 6…Bf5 and 6…Bg7.
Diagram 62 after 6.Bc4 c6
7.Ne5
White takes aim at f7. If 7…Be6 8.Bxe6 fxe6 9.0-0.
Diagram 63 after 6.Bc4 e6
7.Qe2
If 7…Bg7 8.Bg5. Black’s knight on f6 is weak.
Diagram 64 after 6.Bc4 Bg4
7.Bxf7+
If 7…Kxf7 8.Ne5+ followed by 9.Nxg4.
Diagram 65 after 6.Bc4 Bf5
7.Ne5
If now 7…e6 8.g4 Be4 9.Rf1.
Diagram 66 after 6.Bc4 Bg7
7.Bg5
The Studier Attack 7.0-0 0-0 8.Qe1 is risky and unsound.
8.Bxf6
If 8…Bxf6 9.Qd2 Nc6 10.0-0-0.
Diagram 68 after 7.Bg5 Bg4
8.Bxf7+
A thematic combination. If 8…Kxf7 9.Ne5+ Kg8 10.Nxg4.
Diagram 69 after 7.Bg5 Nc6
8.Qd2
If 8…Bg4 9.0-0-0 Bxf3 10.gxf3.
8.Qe2
If 8…Nb6 9.Bb3 a5 10.a4.
Diagram 71 after 7.Bg5 0-0
8.Qe2
Black has 8…a6, 8…Bg4, 8…Nc6, 8…Nbd7, and 8…c6.
Diagram 72 after 8.Qe2 a6
9.0-0-0
If 9…b5 10.Bb3 Bb7 11.Kb1.
Diagram 73 after 8.Qe2 Bg4
9.0-0-0
If 9…Nc6 10.Rhe1 Na5 11.d5.
Diagram 74 after 8.Qe2 Nc6
9.0-0-0
If 9…Na5 10.Bd3 Nd5 11.Nxd5 Qxd5 12.c4.
Diagram 75 after 8.Qe2 Nbd7
9.0-0-0
If 9…Nb6 10.Bb3 a5 11.a4.
Diagram 76 after 8.Qe2 c6
9.0-0-0
Black has 9…h6, 9…Nbd7, and 9…b5.
Diagram 77 after 9.0-0-0 h6
10.Bxf6
If 10…Bxf6 11.Ne5. If 10…exf6 11.Rhe1.
Diagram 78 after 9.0-0-0 Nbd7
10.Rhe1
If 10…Nb6 11.Bb3 a5 12.a4.
10.Bb3
If 10….b4 11.Ne4 Ba6 12.Qe1
Diagram 80 after 10.Bb3 a5
11.a4
If 11…b4 12.Ne4 Nbd7 13.Rhe1.
5.Nxf3 Bf5
Diagram 81 after 5.Nxf3 Bf5
6.Ne5
Black has 6…h5, 6…Nc6, 6…Nbd7, 6…c6, and 6…e6.
Diagram 82 after 6.Ne5 h5
7.Qf3
White attacks b7, f5, and indirectly f7. If 7…Qc8 8.Bc4.
Diagram 83 after 6.Ne5 Nc6
7.Bb5
White pins the knight. If 7…Bd7 8.Nxd7 Qxd7 9.d5.
7.Qf3
The queen attacks f5 and b7. If 7…e6 8.Qxb7.
7.g4
Attack! If 7…Be4 8.Nxe4. If 7…Be6 8.g5. If 7…Bg6 8.h4.
7.g4
If 7…Bxc2 8.Qxc2. Black has 7…Ne4, 7…Be4, and 7…Bg6.
Diagram 87 after 7.g4 Ne4
8.gxf5
The king can survive after 8…Qh4+ 9.Ke2 Qf2+ 10.Kd3.
Diagram 88 after 7.g4 Be4
8.Nxe4
After 8…Nxe4 9.Qf3: 9…Qh4+ 10.Kd1 or 9…Qxd4 10.Qxf7+.
8.Qf3
If 8…Qxd4 9.Nxg6 hxg6 10.Qxb7.
Diagram 90 after 8.Qf3 c6
9.g5
Compare 5…Bg4 6.h3 Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 e6 9.Qf3 c6.
Diagram 91 after 5.Nxf3 c6
6.Bc4
White aims at f7. If 6…Bg4 7.Bxf7+ Kxf7 8.Ne5+.
7.0-0
Play resembles 5…e6. If 7…Be7 8.Qe1 Nbd7 9.Bd3.
7.0-0
White plays for active pieces.
Diagram 94 after 7.0-0 e6
8.Ng5
Now if 8…Bxc2 9.Nxf7 Kxf7 10.Qxc2 Qxd4+ 11.Be3.
Diagram 95 after 8.Ng5 Bg6
9.Ne2
If 9…Bd6 10.Nf4. If 9…Be7 10.Nf4.
Diagram 96 after 5.Nxf3 Nc6
6.Bb5
White pins the knight. If 6…Bg4 7.d5. If 6…e6 7.0-0.
Diagram 97 after 6.Bb5 Bd7
7.0-0
If 7…a6 8.Bxc6 Bxc6 9.Ne5.
8.d5
If 8…exd5 9.Nxd5 Be7 10.Bg5 Nxd5 11.Qxd5 0-0 12.Bxe7.
Diagram 99 after 5.Nf3 c5
6.Bf4
If 6…e6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.0-0-0+.
Diagram 100 after 6.Bf4 cxd4
7.Nb5
Threat is 8.Nc7+. If 7…Na6 8.Bc4 Qa5+ 9.Bd2 Qb6 10.Qe2.
4.f3 Bf5
Diagram 101 after 4.f3 Bf5
5.fxe4
This line favors piece play against the Vienna Defence.
Diagram 102 after 5.fxe4 Bg6
6.Bd3
White defends e4 directly and d4 indirectly.
6.Be2
Black returns the gambit pawn. If 6…Bxe2 7.Ngxe2.
Diagram 104 after 5.fxe4 Bxe4
6.Nxe4
White gains the advantage of the two bishops.
Diagram 105 after 6.Nxe4 Nxe4
7.Bd3
Attack the knight. If 7…Qxd4 8.Bb5+ wins Black’s queen.
Diagram 106 after 7.Bd3 e6
8.Nf3
White prevents the queen check that protects the Ne4.
Diagram 107 after 7.Bd3 Nf6
8.Nf3
White has open lines. If 8…e6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Kh1.
Diagram 108 after 5.fxe4 Nxe4
6.Qf3
If 6…Qxd4 7.Qxf5 Nxc3 8.Qc8+ Qd8 9.Qxd8+ Kxd8 10.bxc3.
Diagram 109 after 6.Qf3 Nxc3
7.bxc3
This knight capture appears best. If 7…Bc8 8.Nh3.
Diagram 110 after 7.bxc3 Bxc2
8.Nh3
If 8…Bg6 9.Nf4 and White plans to double Black’s g-pawns.
Diagram 111 after 7.bxc3 e6
8.Qxb7
Black defended Bf5 but not b7. If 8…Nd7 9.Bd3.
Diagram 112 after 7.bxc3 Qc8
8.Bd3
If 8…Bxd3 9.cxd3 e6 10.Rb1 c6 11.Nh3 Nd7 12.0-0.
Diagram 113 after 6.Qf3 Nd6
7.Bf4
White threatens to eliminate the defender of Bf5 and b7.
Diagram 114 after 7.Bf4 Bxc2
8.Bxd6
White has fun. If 8…exd6 9.Rc1 Bg6 10.Qxb7 Nd7 11.Nd5.
Diagram 115 after 7.Bf4 Qc8
8.Bxd6
If 8…cxd6 9.Bb5+ Bd7 10.Nge2 Bxb5 11.Nxb5.
Diagram 116 after 7.Bf4 e6
8.0-0-0
White attacks in the center. If 8…Nc6 9.d5 Nb4 10.dxe6.
Diagram 117 after 8.0-0-0 Nd7
9.g4
If 9…Bg6 10.h4 the threat of 11.h5 forces a weakness.
Diagram 118 after 8.0-0-0 c6
9.g4
White drives the bishop back to cramp Black’s position.
10.h4
Black needs a retreat square. If 10…h6 11.Kb1 Nd7 12.h5.
Diagram 120 after 10.h4 h5
11.g5
If 11…Nd7 12.Bd3 Nf5 13.Nge2.
4.f3 e3
Diagram 121 after 4.f3 e3
5.Bxe3
White captures the pawn in the 4…e3 Langeheinecke.
Diagram 122 after 5.Bxe3 b6
6.Bb5+
If 6…Bd7 7.Bc4 both White bishops are better placed.
Diagram 123 after 5.Bxe3 Nd5
6.Nxd5
If 6…Qxd5 7.Bd3 and White has easy development.
Diagram 124 after 5.Bxe3 Nbd7
6.Qd2
White delays the Bf1 to see if Bd3 or Bc4 would be better.
Diagram 125 after 5.Bxe3 Nc6
6.Bc4
White fights for d5. If 6….Bf5 7.a3. If 6…e6 7.Nge2.
Diagram 126 after 5.Bxe3 c6
6.Bd3
White prevents 6…Bf5.
Diagram 127 after 6.Bd3 Ndb7
7.f4
This pawn is not stuck on f3. It can go to f4 and maybe f5.
Diagram 128 after 5.Bxe3 g6
6.Qd2
White is ready to castle queenside and attack kingside.
Diagram 129 after 6.Qd2 Bg7
7.0-0-0
Play may continue 7…0-0 8.Bh6 Re8 9.h4.
Diagram 130 after 5.Bxe3 e6
6.Bd3
If 6…Bb4 7.Nge2 and now 7…Nd5 8.Bf2 or 7…0-0 8.0-0.
7.Nge2
If 7…Nbd7 8.Ne4 0-0 9.0-0 c5 10.Qe1.
Diagram 132 after 7.Nge2 0-0
8.0-0
If 8…b6 9.Qe1 headed for the kingside to attack.
Diagram 133 after 5.Bxe3 Bf5
6.g4
White expands before Black has time for anything else.
7.h4
If 7…h6 8.Nge2 e6 9.Nf4 Bh7 10.g5 with advantage.
8.g5
If 8…Nd5 9.Nxd5 Qxd5 10.c4 when White has more space.
4.f3 c6 and others
Diagram 136 after 4.f3 c6
5.Bc4
If 5…exf3 6.Nxf3 transposes to 4.f3 exf3 5.Nxf3 c6 6.Bc4.
6.Bxe3
Play often continues 6…Bf5 7.Nge2 e6 8.g4 Bg6 9.g4.
6.fxe4
Now if 6…b5 7.Be2 b4 8.e5 bxc3 9.exf6 cxb2 10.Bxb2.
Diagram 139 after 5.Bc4 b5
6.Be2
The bishop lives to fight another day. If 6…Bf5 7.fxe4.
6.fxe4
If 6…Bxe4 7.Nxe4 Nxe4 8.Nf3.
Diagram 141 after 6.fxe4 Nxe4
7.Nxe4
If 7…Bxe4 8.Qe2 and now 8…Qxd4 9.c3 or 8…Bg6 9.Nf3.
5.Bf4
If 5…exf3 6.Nxf3 see 4…exf3 5.Nxf3 c5. If 5…Qxd4 6.fxe4.
Diagram 147 after 5.Bf4 cxd4
6.Nb5
If 6…Nd5 7.Bxb8. If 6…Na6 7.Qxd4 Qxd4 8.Nxd4.
5.Bg5
If 5…exf3 6.Nxf3 see 4…exf3 5.Nxf3 e6. If 5…Nbd7 6.fxe4.
6.fxe4
If 6…0-0 7.Nf3 c5 8.dxc5 Qxd1+ 9.Rxd1.
Diagram 145 after 4.f3 Nc6
5.d5
If 5…Nb4 6.fxe4. If 5…Na5 6.Qd4. If 5…Nb8 6.fxe4.
Diagram 146 after 5.d5 Ne5
6.fxe4
If 6…e6 7.Nxf3 Nxf3+ 8.Qxf3 exd5 9.Nxd5 Nxd5 10.exd5.
5.dxe5
An important point is that this pawn attacks the knight.
Diagram 149 after 5.dxe5 Qxd1+
6.Kxd1
White gives up castling rights to use the knight for attack.
Diagram 150 after 6.Kxd1 Nfd7
7.Nd5
If 7…Kd8 8.Bg5+ f6 9.exf6 gxf6 10.Nxf6 Be7 11.Nxe4.
3.Nc3 e5
Diagram 151 after 3.Nc3 e5
4.Nxe4
Diemer’s move against the Lemberger Counter Gambit.
Diagram 152 after 4.Nxe4 f5
5.Nc3
If 5…exd4 6.Nb5 Nc6 7.Bf4 Bd6 8.Nxd6+.
Diagram 153 after 4.Nxe4 Nf6
5.Nxf6+
If 5…gxf6 6.Be3 Nc6 7.Nf3 Be6 8.Be2.
Diagram 154 after 4.Nxe4 Nc6
5.Nf3
If 5….exd4 6.Bb5 Bf5 7.Bxc6+ bxc6 8.Ng3.
Diagram 155 after 4.Nxe4 Qxd4
5.Bd3
No queen swap. Now 5…Qb6, 5…Nf6, 5…f5, or 5…Nc6.
Diagram 156 after 5.Bd3 Qb6
6.Nf3
If 6…f5 7.Nc3 e4 8.0-0 Nf6 9.Bc4.
Diagram 157 after 5.Bd3 Nf6
6.Nf3
If 6…Qd8 7.Qe2 Nc6 8.Bg5.
Diagram 158 after 5.Bd3 f5
6.Nf3
If 6…Bb4+ 7.c3 Qd5 8.Qe2 fxe4 9.Bxe4 Qd6 10.cxb4.
Diagram 159 after 6.Nf3 Qb6
7.Nc3
Complicated but tactically sound. If 7…e4 8.0-0 Nf6 9.Bc4.
Diagram 160 after 5.Bd3 Nc6
6.Nf3
If 6…Qd5 7.0-0 Be6 8.Qe2 0-0-0 9.Bg5.
Diagram 161 after 6.Nf3 Qd8
7.Qe2
If 7…Bg4 8.Bb5 Qd5 9.c4 Qe6 10.Neg5.
Diagram 162 after 4.Nxe4 exd4
5.Nf3
If 5…Nc6 see 4…Nc6. If 5…Bg4 6.Bb5+ c6 7.Be2.
Diagram 163 after 5.Nf3 Bb4+
6.c3
If 6…dxc3 7.Qxd8+ Kxd8 8.bxc3 Nf6 9.Bg5.
Diagram 164 after 5.Nf3 Qe7
6.Bb5+
If 6…Bd7 7.0-0 Bxb5 8.Re1 Nc6 9.Nc5.
Diagram 165 after 6.Bb5+ c6
7.0-0
If 7…cxb5 8.Re1 Be6 9.Bf4 Nc6 10.Nd6+.
3.Nc3 f5 and others
Diagram 166 after 3.Nc3 f5
4.f3
This is a Dutch Defence: 1.d4 f5 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.f3.
Diagram 167 after 4.f3 Nf6
5.fxe4
If 5…Nxe4 6.Nxe4 fxe4 7.Qh5+ g6 8.Qe5 regains the pawn.
Diagram 168 after 5.fxe4 fxe4
6.Bg5
Staunton Gambit. If 6…Bf5 7.Nge2 e6 8.Ng3.
5.Nxf3
Black is weak on the e-file. If 5…e6 6.Bc4 Bb4 7.0-0.
Diagram 170 after 5.Nxf3 Nf6
6.Bc4
If 6…e6 7.0-0 Nc6 8.Re1 Be7 9.Rxe6 Bxe6 10.Bxe6.
Diagram 171 after 3.Nc3 Bf5
4.f3
White attacks the Zeller Defence similar to the BDG.
5.Qxf3
The queen attacks the bishop on f5 and pawn on b7.
Diagram 173 after 5.Qxf3 Qc8
6.Bd3
If 6…Bxd3 7.Qxd3 e6 8.Nf3 Nf6 9.Bf4 Nc6 10.0-0-0.
Diagram 174 after 3.Nc3 Nc6
4.d5
White is winning after 4…Na5 5.b4 c6 6.bxa5 Qxa5 7.Bd2.
Diagram 175 after 4.d5 Nb4
5.a3
White drives the knight away. If 5…Na6 6.f3 e6 7.fxe4.
5.Nxe4
White regains the gambit pawn. If 5…c6 6.Bc4.
5.f3
Here 5…Nf6 transposes to the line 4.f3 Nc6 5.d5 Ne5.
6.Nxf3
If 6…Bg4 7.Nxe5 Bxd1 8.Bb5+. If 6…Nxf3+ 7.Qxf3.
Diagram 179 after 3.Nc3 c6
4.f3
The main line Caro-Kann Defence move is 4.Nxe4.
5.Be3
If 5…Qb6 6.Qd2 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qa3 8.dxe5.
5.Nxf3
If 5…Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 Qxd4 8.Be3.
4.Nge2!?
The move 4.Nxe4 is a French Defence Rubinstein Variation.
Diagram 183 after 4.Nge2 f5
5.Be3
Now if 5…Nf6 6.f3 exf3 7.gxf3 Bd6 8.Qd2.
Diagram 184 after 4.Nge2 Nf6
5.Ng3
If 5…Bb4 6.Bg5 Nc6 7.Ngxe4 Nxd4 8.Qd3.
Diagram 185 after 4.Nge2 Bb4
5.a3
If 5…Bxc3+ 6.Nc3 Nc6 7.d5 exd5 8.Qxd5 Be6 9.Qxe4.
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4
Diagram 186 after 1.d4 Nf6
2.Nc3
Another Blackmar-Diemer path is 2.f3 d5 3.e4 Nf6 4.Nc3.
Diagram 187 after 2.Nc3 d5
3.e4
Now 3…dxe4 4.f3 is a BDG. Alternatives are 3.Bg5 or 3.Bf4.
Diagram 188 after 3.e4 Nxe4
4.Nxe4
The Huebsch Gambit. White does well to trade off knights.
Diagram 189 after 4.Nxe4 dxe4
5.Bc4
The Black responses here increase in order of popularity.
6.Qh5
Attacks and pins f7. If 6…e6 7.c3 b5 8.Bb3 Nd7 9.Bxe6.
6.Qh5
If 6…e6 7.d5 Qf6 8.Ne2 Qf5 9.Ng3.
Diagram 192 after 5.Bc4 Nd7
6.Qh5
If 6…g6 7.Qd5 e6 8.Qxe4 Bg7 9.Nf3.
6.Qh5
If 6…Qe7 7.Qxe5 Qxe5 8.dxe5 Nc6 9.Bf4.
Diagram 194 after 5.Bc4 Qd6
6.c3
If 6…Qg6 7.Ne2 Qxg2 8.Ng3 Qh3 9.Bf4.
Diagram 195 after 5.Bc4 g6
6.c3
If 6…Bg7 7.Qe2 0-0 8.Qxe4 e5 9.dxe5.
6.c3
If 6…Nc6 7.Nh3 Be7 8.Qg4 0-0 9.Qxe4.
Diagram 197 after 5.Bc4 Nc6
6.c3
If 6…e5 7.d5 Ne7 8.f3 exf3 9.Nxf3.
6.g4
White plays 6.g4 against 5…Bf5 rather than 6.Qh5 or 6.c3.
7.Ne2
The knight heads for Nf4, but Nc3 or Ng3 are possible too.
8.h4
If 8…h6 9.Nf4 Bh7 10.g5 Bf5 11.g6.
By Tim Sawyer
Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 7 is an alternative step by step basic chess opening guide to your
gambit repertoire for White. This Playbook illustrates with 200 diagrams one unified plan for
White using the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
The book covers the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit after1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 and 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
d5 3.e4 Nxe4. I have played this opening for 30 years. The gambit has rewarded me with more
than 2000 happy victories. Players from all over the world have written to express their
thankfulness for the joy the BDG has brought to their chess adventures.
You will benefit from this Playbook because it reduces the amount of work needed to win with
the Blackmar-Diemer. I wrote this book to use by myself. You may want a copy.
I play two different opening repertoires with this gambit. I gave one set lines in Playbook 6.
Another set is presented in Playbook 7. I prefer lines with a big likelihood of success.
This Playbook is a tool to help you easily prepare to play your opening. The 200 diagrams in this
playbook cover the variations that you are most likely to face.
It is White’s move in every diagram. I gives one reasonable move for White in each position
with analysis on what to expect from the position. Be prepared!
1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3 exf3
Diagram 1 after 1.d4 d5
2.e4
Armand Blackmar played this with the intention of 3.f3.
Diagram 2 after 2.e4 dxe4
3.Nc3
Emil J. Diemer played this with the intention of 4.f3.
Diagram 3 after 3.Nc3 Nf6
4.f3
This the starting position of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
5.Nxf3
Diemer played both the risky 5.Qxf3 and the sound 5.Nxf3.
5.Nxf3 Bg4 6.h3 Bh5
Diagram 5 after 5.Nxf3 Bg4
6.h3
White should immediately kick this Teichmann bishop.
7.g4
White breaks the pin. If 7…Nxg4 8.hxg4 Bxg4 9.Qe2 is fine.
8.Ne5
The knight aims at f7 and g6. Now 8…c6, 8…Nbd7 or 8…e6
9.Bg2
If 9…e6 see 8…e6 9.Bg2 c6. If 9…Nbd7 10.Qe2
9.Qe2
If 9…Nxe5 10.dxe5 Nd5 11.Qb5+; 9…e6 10.h4 Bb4 11.Rh3.
9.Bg2
If 9…Nc6 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.Bxc6+. Consider 9…Nd5 or 9…c6.
Diagram 11 after 9.Bg2 Nd5
10.h4
Thematic idea. If 10…Bb4 11.Bd2 Bxc3 12.bxc3 f6 13.Nxg6.
10.h4
Consistent. Black has 10…h5, 10…h6, 10…Bxc2, or 10…Bb4.
11.Nxg6
If 11…fxg6 12.g5 Nd5 13.Qe2. Black’s kingside is weak.
11.Nxg6
If 11…fxg6 12.Qd3 Qc7 13.Qxg6+, or 12…Kf7 13.Rf1.
Diagram 15 after 10.h4 Bxc2
11.Qxc2
A piece for three pawns. If 11…Qxd4 12.Qe2 Bd6 13.Nc4.
Diagram 16 after 10.h4 Bb4
11.0-0
Black has 11…Bxc3, 11…Bxc2, 11…0-0, and 11…Nbd7.
Diagram 17 after 11.0-0 Bxc3
12.bxc3
If 12…Nbd7 13.Qe2 Nxe5 14.dxe5 Nd5 15.h5.
Diagram 18 after 11.0-0 Bxc2
12.Qd2
White avoids 12…Qxd4+. Now if 12…0-0 13.Rf4 Bg6 14.h5.
Diagram 19 after 11.0-0 0-0
12.Rf2
Threatens h5. If 12…Bxc3 13.bxc3 Ne4 14.Rf3 f5 15.Ba3.
Diagram 20 after 11.0-0 Nbd7
12.Qe2
Now if 12…Nxe5 13.dxe5 Bc5+ 14.Kh2 or 12…0-0 13.h5!?
Diagram 21 after 6.h3 Bxf3
7.Qxf3
The queen attacks b7. If 7…Qxd4 8.Qxb7 and Black loses.
Diagram 22 after 7.Qxf3 Nc6
8.Bb5
If 8…Qd6 9.d5 a6 10.dxc6 axb5 11.cxb7 Rb8 12.a4.
Diagram 23 after 7.Qxf3 c6
8.g4
Black has 8…Nbd7, 8…Nd5, 8…g6, 8…h6, 8…Qxd4, or 8…e6.
Diagram 24 after 8.g4 Nbd7
9.g5
If 9…Nd5 10.Nxd5 cxd5 11.Qxd5.
9.Bd3
If 9…Nxc3 10.bxc3 e6 11.0-0.
Diagram 26 after 8.g4 g6
9.g5
If 9…Nd5 10.Bc4 e6 11.0-0 Qd7 12.Ne4.
Diagram 27 after 8.g4 h6
9.Bd2
If 9…e6 10.0-0-0 Bb4 11.Bg2 Nbd7 12.a3.
Diagram 28 after 8.g4 Qxd4
9.Be3
Black has 9…Qd8, 9…Qd6, 9…Qe5, and 9…Qb4.
Diagram 29 after 9.Be3 Qd8
10.g5
If 10…Nd5 11.0-0-0 e6 12.Nxd5 cxd5 13.Bb5+.
Diagram 30 after 9.Be3 Qd6
10.g5
If 10…Nfd7 11.Ne4 Qb4+ 12.Bd2 Qxb2 13.Bc3.
Diagram 31 after 9.Be3 Qe5
10.0-0-0
If 10…e6 11.g5 Nd5 12.Nxd5 exd5 13.Bf4.
Diagram 32 after 9.Be3 Qb4
10.0-0-0
If 10…e6 11.g5 Nd5 12.Bd4 Nd7 13.Kb1.
Diagram 33 after 8.g4 e6
9.g5
This is the main idea of 8.g4. Black has 9…Nfd7 or 9…Nd5.
10.Bf4
If 10…Nb6 11.0-0-0 Nd5 12.Ne4 Nxf4 13.Qxf4.
10.Bd3
Now 10…Nd7, 10…Bd6, 10…Nxc3, 10…Bb4, or 10…Be7.
Diagram 36 after 10.Bd3 Nd7
11.0-0
If 11…Qe7 12.Nxd5 cxd5 13.Bd2.
Diagram 37 after 10.Bd3 Bd6
11.Ne4
If 11…0-0 12.0-0 Be7 13.c4.
Diagram 38 after 10.Bd3 Nxc3
11.bxc3
If 11…Bd6 12.0-0 0-0 13.Rb1.
Diagram 39 after 10.Bd3 Bb4
11.0-0
If 11…0-0 12.Ne4 Be7 13.a3.
11.h4
If 11…Nd7 12.Nxd5 cxd5 13.Bd2 Qb6 14.0-0-0.
5.Nxf3 e6
Diagram 41 after 5.Nxf3 e6
6.Bg5
Black has 6…h6, 6…c5, 6…Nbd7, 6…Bb4, and 6…Be7.
7.Bxf6
If 7…Qxf6 8.Bb5+ and 9.0-0. If 7…gxf6 8.Qd3.
7.Bxf6
If 7…Qxf6 8.Bb5+. If 7…gxf6 8.d5.
7.Bd3
Many lines transpose. If 7…c5 8.d5 exd5 9.Nxd5.
7.Bd3
The Black bishop belongs on Be7 to strengthen the Nf6.
Diagram 46 after 7.Bd3 Bxc3+
8.bxc3
Black has made White’s d4 stronger. Wonderful!
7.Qd2
Black has many options to choose from.
Diagram 48 after 7.Qd2 Nd5
8.Bxe7
If 8…Qxe7 9.Bd3 Nc6 10.0-0. If 8…Nxe7 9.0-0-0 0-0 10.Bd3.
Diagram 49 after 7.Qd2 Nbd7
8.0-0-0
If 8…a6 9.Bd3 h6 10.Bh4 b5 11.d5.
Diagram 50 after 7.Qd2 Nc6
8.0-0-0
If 8…0-0 9.Kb1 Nb4 10.a3 Nbd5 11.Bd3.
Diagram 51 after 7.Qd2 b6
8.0-0-0
If 8…Bb7 9.Bb5+ Bc6 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.d5.
Diagram 52 after 7.Qd2 h6
8.Bxf6
If 8…Bxf6 9.0-0-0 0-0 10.Ne4 Be7 11.Kb1.
Diagram 53 after 7.Qd2 c5
8.0-0-0
If 8…cxd4 9.Nxd4 0-0 10.Qe1 Qb6 11.Nf5.
Diagram 54 after 7.Qd2 0-0
8.0-0-0
Black has 8…a6, 8…b6, 8…c5, 8…Nd5, 8…Nc6, and 8…Nbd7.
Diagram 55 after 8.0-0-0 a6
9.Bd3
If 9…b5 10.Qf4 Bb7 11.Qh4 g6 12.d5.
9.Bd3
If 9…Bb7 10.Qf4 Nh5 11.Qh4 Bxg5+ 12.Nxg5.
9.dxc5
If 9…Qxd2+ 10.Nxd2 Bxc5 11.Nde4 Nxe4 12.Nxe4.
Diagram 58 after 8.0-0-0 Nd5
9.Bxe7
If 9…Qxe7 10.Kb1 Bd7 11.Bc4 Bc6 12.Rhe1.
Diagram 59 after 8.0-0-0 Nc6
9.Kb1
If 9…a6 10.Bd3 Nb4 11.Ne5 Nxd3 12.Qxd3.
9.Kb1
If 9…b6 10.Bc4 Bb7 11.Rhe1.
5.Nxf3 g6
Diagram 61 after 5.Nxf3 g6
6.Bg5
Black has 6…h6, 6…Nbd7, 6…Bg4, and 6…Bg7.
7.Bxf6
If 7…exf6 8.Bc4 Bd6 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qd2.
7.Qd2
Intending 8.0-0-0. If 7…Nb6 8.0-0-0 c6 9.Kb1 Be6 10.Bd3.
7.Bc4
If 7…Nbd7 8.h3 Bxf3 9.Qxf3 c6 10.0-0-0.
7.Qd2
White plans 8.0-0-0. Now Black has 7…h6 and 7…0-0.
Diagram 66 after 7.Qd2 h6
8.Bf4
White remains aimed at h6. Black has 8…g5 or 8…c6.
Diagram 67 after 8.Bf4 g5
9.Bg3
If 9…0-0 10.0-0-0 c5 11.dxc5 Nc6 12.Bb5.
Diagram 68 after 8.Bf4 c6
9.0-0-0
If 9…Bf5 10.Kb1 Nbd7 11.Re1 Nd5 12.Nxd5.
Diagram 69 after 7.Qd2 0-0
8.0-0-0
Now 8…a6, 8…Bf5, 8…Nc6, 8…c6, 8…c5, 8…Nbd7 or 8…Bg4.
Diagram 70 after 8.0-0-0 a6
9.Bc4
If 9…b5 10.Bb3 Nbd7 11.Rhe1 Bb7 12.Kb1.
Diagram 71 after 8.0-0-0 Bf5
9.h3
If 9…c6 10.g4 Ne4 11.Qe3 Nxg5 12.Nxg5.
Diagram 72 after 8.0-0-0 Nc6
9.d5
If 9…Nb8 10.Bc4 a6 11.a3 Bf5 12.Rhe1.
9.Bh6
Black may capture 9…Bxh6. If instead 9…Bg4 10.Be2.
Diagram 74 after 9.Bh6 Bxh6
10.Qxh6
If 10…Ng4 11.Qh4 Ne3 12.Re1 Nf5 13.Qf4.
9.d5
Now 9…Nbd7. If instead 9…a6 10.h4 b5 11.h5.
Diagram 76 after 9.d5 Nbd7
10.h4
If 10…Nb6 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.h5 Bg7 13.Be2.
9.Bh6
Now 9…Bxh6. If instead 9…Nb6 10.Bxg7 Kxg7 11.Kb1.
Diagram 78 after 9.Bh6 Bxh6
10.Qxh6
If 10…Ng4 11.Qd2 Nb6 12.h3 Nf6 13.Kb1.
Diagram 79 after 8.0-0-0 Bg4
9.Be2
Now 9…Nbd7. If 9….Bxf3 10.Bxf3 c6 11.h4.
Diagram 80 after 9.Be2 Nbd7
10.h3
If 10…Bxf3 11.Bxf3 c6 12.Rhe1.
5.Nxf3 Bf5
Diagram 81 after 5.Nxf3 Bf5
6.Ne5
Black has 6…h5, 6…Nc6, 6…Nbd7, 6…c6, and 6…e6.
Diagram 82 after 6.Ne5 h5
7.Qf3
White attacks b7, f5, and indirectly f7. If 7…Qc8 8.Bc4.
Diagram 83 after 6.Ne5 Nc6
7.Bb5
White pins the knight. If 7…Bd7 8.Nxd7 Qxd7 9.d5.
7.Qf3
The queen attacks f5 and b7. If 7…e6 8.Qxb7.
7.g4
Attack! If 7…Be4 8.Nxe4. If 7…Be6 8.g5. If 7…Bg6 8.h4.
7.g4
If 7…Bxc2 8.Qxc2. Black has 7…Ne4, 7…Be4, and 7…Bg6.
Diagram 87 after 7.g4 Ne4
8.Bb5+
If 8…c6 9.0-0 White will capture a piece on the next move.
8.Nxe4
After 8…Nxe4 9.Qf3: 9…Qh4+ 10.Kd1 or 9…Qxd4 10.Qxf7+.
8.Bg2
If 8…Bxc2 9.Qxc2. If 8…h5 9.Nxg6. if 8…h6 9.Nxg6.
9.h4
Compare to 6…Bh5 7.g4 Bg6 8.Ne5 e6 9. 9.Bg2 c6 10.h4.
Diagram 91 after 5.Nxf3 c6
6.Bd3
If 6…g6 7.0-0 Bg7 8.Qe1. If 6…e6 7.Qe2 Be7 8.Bd2.
Diagram 92 after 6.Bd3 Bg4
7.Be3
This line can turn into a type of Teichmann 5…Bg4.
8.Qe2
If 8…Bd6 9.0-0-0 0-0 10.Kb1 Nbd7 11.h3.
Diagram 94 after 8.Qe2 Nbd7
9.h3
If 9…Bxf3 10.Qxf3 Be7 11.0-0-0 0-0 12.g4.
10.0-0-0
If 10…Bg6 11.Bxg6 hxg6 12.Rhf1.
Diagram 96 after 5.Nxf3 Nc6
6.Bb5
White pins the knight. If 6…Bg4 7.d5. If 6…e6 7.0-0.
7.0-0
If 7…a6 8.Bxc6 Bxc6 9.Ne5.
8.d5
If 8…exd5 9.Nxd5 Be7 10.Bg5 Nxd5 11.Qxd5 0-0 12.Bxe7.
Diagram 99 after 5.Nf3 c5
6.d5
If 6…Bg4 7.h3 Bxf3 8.Qxf3. If 6…e6 7.Bb5+ Bd7 8.dxe6.
Diagram 100 after 6.d5 g6
7.Bg5
If 7…Bg7 8.Qd2 0-0 9.0-0-0 Nbd7 10.h4.
4.f3 Bf5
Diagram 101 after 4.f3 Bf5
5.g4
White kicks the Vienna Defence Bf5 first and then the Nf6.
Diagram 102 after 5.g4 Bc8
6.g5
Big Black retreat. If 6….Nd5 7.fxe4 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Qd6 9.Nf3
6.g5
A rare line. If 6…Nd5 7.fxe4 Nxc3 8.bxc3 c6 9.Rb1.
6.g5
(Risky is 6.h4.) Now if 6…exf3 7.gxf6 f2+ 8.Kxf2 gxf6 9.Nf3.
Diagram 105 after 6.g5 Ng8
7.fxe4
If 7…e5 8.Nf3 exd4 9.Qxd4 Qxd4 10.Nxd4 Bd6 11.Bg2.
7.h4
If 7…e5 8.h5 Bf5 9.fxe4 exd4 10.Qxd4 Nc6 11.Qf2.
Diagram 107 after 6.g5 Nh5
7.fxe4
If 7…e6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.Bxh5. If 7…e5 8.Nf3 exd4 9.Qxd4.
7.Nxe4
Regain the pawn. Black has 7…e5, 7…Nd7, 7…Nc6 or 7…e6.
Diagram 109 after 7.Nxe4 e5
8.dxe5
If 8…Nc6 9.Bc4 Ndb4 10.Bf4 Qd4 11.Qxd2 Nxc2+ 12.Kf2.
Diagram 110 after 7.Nxe4 Nd7
8.Ne2
If 8…e6 9.c4 N5b6 10.N2g3 Bb4+ 11.Kf2.
Diagram 111 after 7.Nxe4 Nc6
8.Bb5
White pins the knight. Black has 8…e5, 8…e6, and 8…Ndb4.
Diagram 112 after 8.Bb5 e5
9.Qe2
If 9…Be7 10.Bxc6+ bxc6 11.dxe5 0-0 12.h4.
Diagram 113 after 8.Bb5 e6
9.Ne2
If 9…Be7 10.0-0 0-0 11.c3 a6 12.Bxc6 bxc6 13.N2g3.
Diagram 114 after 8.Bb5 Ndb4
9.a3
If 9…Bxe4 10.fxe4 Qxd4 11.Qe2 Na6 12.Nf3 Qd6 13.Be3.
Diagram 115 after 7.Nxe4 e6
8.h4
Black has 8…Nc6, 8…Nd7, 8…Be7, 8…Bd6, and 8…Bb4+.
Diagram 116 after 8.h4 Nc6
9.h5
If 9…Bf5 10.c3 Qd7 11.Bb5 Be7 12.Ne2.
Diagram 117 after 8.h4 Nd7
9.h5
If 9…Bf5 10.Ne2 Be7 11.N2g3 c6 12.c4.
Diagram 118 after 8.h4 Be7
9.c3
9…h6 10.Qa4+ Nd7 11.gxh6 Bh4+ 12.Kd1.
Diagram 119 after 8.h4 Bd6
9.h5
If 9…Bf5 10.c4 Nb4 11.a3 N4c6 12.Be3.
Diagram 120 after 8.h4 Bb4+
9.c3
If 9…Bxe4 10.fxe4 Nxc3 11.bxc3 Bxc3+ 12.Bd2.
4.f3 e3
5.Bxe3
White captures the pawn in the 4…e3 Langeheinecke.
Diagram 122 after 5.Bxe3 b6
6.Bb5+
If 6…Bd7 7.Bc4 both White bishops are better placed.
Diagram 123 after 5.Bxe3 Nd5
6.Nxd5
If 6…Qxd5 7.Bd3 and White has easy development.
Diagram 124 after 5.Bxe3 Nbd7
6.Qd2
White delays the Bf1 to see if Bd3 or Bc4 would be better.
Diagram 125 after 5.Bxe3 Nc6
6.Bc4
White fights for d5. If 6….Bf5 7.a3. If 6…e6 7.Nge2.
Diagram 126 after 5.Bxe3 c6
6.Bd3
White prevents 6…Bf5.
Diagram 127 after 6.Bd3 Ndb7
7.f4
This pawn is not stuck on f3. It can go to f4 and maybe f5.
Diagram 128 after 5.Bxe3 g6
6.Qd2
White is ready to castle queenside and attack kingside.
Diagram 129 after 6.Qd2 Bg7
7.0-0-0
Play may continue 7…0-0 8.Bh6 Re8 9.h4.
Diagram 130 after 5.Bxe3 e6
6.Bd3
If 6…Bb4 7.Nge2 and now 7…Nd5 8.Bf2 or 7…0-0 8.0-0.
7.Nge2
If 7…Nbd7 8.Ne4 0-0 9.0-0 c5 10.Qe1.
Diagram 132 after 7.Nge2 0-0
8.0-0
If 8…b6 9.Qe1 headed for the kingside to attack.
Diagram 133 after 5.Bxe3 Bf5
6.g4
White expands before Black has time for anything else.
7.h4
If 7…h6 8.Nge2 e6 9.Nf4 Bh7 10.g5 with advantage.
8.g5
If 8…Nd5 9.Nxd5 Qxd5 10.c4 when White has more space.
4.f3 c6 and others
5.fxe4
Black usually chooses either 5…e6, 5…Bg4, or 5…e5.
Diagram 137 after 5.fxe4 e6
6.Nf3
If 6…Bb4 7.e5 Nd5 8.Bd2. Or if 6…Be7 7.e5 Nd5 8.Ne4.
6.Be2
If 6…Bxe2 7.Qxe2!? Qxd4 8.Nf3 Qb6 9.e5 Nd5 10.Ne4.
Diagram 139 after 5.fxe4 e5
6.dxe5
Black swaps queens. If 6…Ng4 7.Qxd8+. If 6…Nfd7 7.Nf3.
7.Nxd1
White hopes to castle eventually. If 7…Nfd7 8.Nf3.
Diagram 141 after 7.Nxd1 Nxe4
8.Nf3
8…Be6 9.Bd3 Nc5 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.Nc3.
5.d5
If 5…exf3 6.Nxf3 see 4…exf3 5.Nxf3 c5. If 5…Bf5 6.g4.
Diagram 147 after 5.d5 e6
6.fxe4
If 6…exd5 7.exd5 Bd6 8.Qe2+ Kf8 9.Nf3 Bf5 10.Be3.
5.fxe4
If 5…Be7 6.e5 Nd5 7.Qg4 g6 8.Bh6 c5 9.Bb5+ Bd7 10.Nxd5.
Diagram 144 after 5.fxe4 Bb4
6.a3
If 6…Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 Nxe4 8.Qg4 Nxc3 9.Bd2 Nd5 10.Qxg7.
Diagram 145 after 4.f3 Nc6
5.Bb5
If 5…exf3 6.Nxf3 see 4…exf3. If 5…Bf5 6.g4 Bg6 7.d5.
6.fxe4
If 6…a6 7.Bxc6. If 6…e6 7.Nf3. If 6…e5 7.Bxc6.
5.dxe5
An important point is that this pawn attacks the knight.
6.Kxd1
White gives up castling rights to use the knight for attack.
Diagram 150 after 6.Kxd1 Nfd7
7.Nd5
If 7…Kd8 8.Bg5+ f6 9.exf6 gxf6 10.Nxf6 Be7 11.Nxe4.
3.Nc3 e5
4.Nge2
The Rasmussen move against Lemberger Counter Gambit.
Diagram 152 after 4.Nge2 Nf6
5.Bg5
If 5…exd4 see 4…exd4. If 5…Be7 6.dxe5 Nfd7 7.Bxe7.
Diagram 153 after 4.Nge2 Bb4
5.Be3
If 5…Nc6 6.dxe5 Bg4 7.Qxd8+ Rxd8 8.a3.
Diagram 154 after 4.Nge2 f5
5.dxe5
Black intends to hold e4 at the cost of e5.
6.Kxd1
If 6…Ne7 7.Nb5 Kd8 8.f4. Black also has 6…Nc6 or 6…c6.
Diagram 156 after 6.Kxd1 Nc6
7.Nb5
If 7…Kd8 8.Ke1 Bd7 9.Bf4 Nb4 10.Na3.
Diagram 157 after 6.Kxd1 c6
7.Nd4
If 7…Bc5 8.Be3 Bxd4 9.Bxd4 Ne7 10.f3.
Diagram 158 after 4.Nge2 Nc6
5.Be3
Now 5…Bb4. If 5…exd4 6.Nxd4 Nf6 7.Nxc6 Qxd1+ 8.Rxd1.
Diagram 159 after 5.Be3 Bb4
6.dxe5
If 6…Qxd1+ 7.Rxd1 Nxe5 8.a3. If 6…Bg4 7.Qxd8+ Rxd8 9.a3.
Diagram 160 after 4.Nge2 exd4
5.Qxd4
White has targets on e4 and c7 after Black swaps queens.
Diagram 161 after 5.Qxd4 Qxd4
6.Nxd4
Now 6…Nf6. If 6…Bb4 7.Ndb5 Bxc3+ 8.Nxc3 Nf6 9.Bg5.
Diagram 162 after 6.Nxd4 Nf6
7.Bg5
Now 7…Bb4. If 7…Be7 8.0-0-0 0-0 9.Bc4 h6 10.Bxf6.
8.Nbd5
If 8…Bxc3+ 9.Nxc3 Be6 10.Bxf6. Consider 8…Na6 or 8…Ba5.
Diagram 164 after 8.Ndb5 Na6
9.0-0-0
If 9…Bxc3 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.Bxa6 bxa6 13.Nd5.
Diagram 165 after 8.Ndb5 Ba5
9.b4
If 9…a6 10.Nd6+. Or if 9…Bxb4 10.Nxc7+ Kd7 11.N7b5.
3.Nc3 f5 and others
Diagram 166 after 3.Nc3 f5
4.Bg5
Gedult’s move vs Dutch: 1.d4 f5 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 dxe4 4.Bg5.
5.Qh5+
If 5…Kd7 6.Bc4 Nf6 7.Bxf6 exf6 8.Qxf5+ Ke8 9.Qh5+ wins.
Diagram 168 after 4.Bg5 g6
5.f3
If 5…Bg7 6.fxe4 Qxd4 7.Qxd4 Bxd4 8.Nd5 Bb5 9.exf5.
Diagram 169 after 4.Bg5 Nf6
5.f3
If 5…Nc6 6.Bb5 a6 7.Bxc6+ bxc6 8.fxe4 fxe4 9.Nge2.
6.Nxf3
If 6…e6 7.Bc4 Be7 8.Qe2 0-0 9.0-0-0 and White wins e6.
Diagram 171 after 3.Nc3 Bf5
4.g4
White attacks the Zeller Defence.
5.Bg2
If 5…e5 6.Nge2 exd4 7.Nxd4. If 5…h5 6.g5 e5 7.Nge2.
Diagram 173 after 5.Bg2 Nf6
6.g5
If 6…Nd5 7.Nxe4 e6 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Re1.
Diagram 174 after 3.Nc3 Nc6
4.d5
White is winning after 4…Na5 5.b4 c6 6.bxa5 Qxa5 7.Bd2.
5.a3
White drives the knight away. If 5…Na6 6.f3 e6 7.fxe4.
5.Nxe4
White regains the gambit pawn. If 5…c6 6.Bc4.
5.Qd4
If 5…Ng4 6.f3 exf3 7.Nxf3. If 5…Nd7 6.Bf4 a6 7.Nxe4.
Diagram 178 after 5.Qd4 Ng6
6.Qxe4
If 6…Nf6 7.Qa4+ Bd7 8.Bb5 a6 9.Bxd7+ Qxd7 10.Qxd7+.
Diagram 179 after 3.Nc3 c6
4.f3
The main line Caro-Kann Defence move is 4.Nxe4.
5.Be3
If 5…Qb6 6.Qd2 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qa3 8.dxe5.
5.Nxf3
If 5…Bg4 6.h3 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 Qxd4 8.Be3.
4.Bc4
This is an interesting alternative to the good is 4.Nxe4.
Diagram 183 after 4.Bc4 f5
5.f3
If 5…Nf6 6.fxe4 fxe4 7.Bg5 Be7 8.Nge2.
Diagram 184 after 4.Bc4 Nf6
5.Bg5
If 5….Be7 6.Bxf6 Bxf6 7.Nge2 Nd7 8.Nxe4.
6.Nxe4
If 6…Be7 7.Nxf6+ Nxf6 8.Nf3 0-0 9.0-0.
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.e4 Nxe4
Diagram 186 after 1.d4 Nf6
2.Nc3
Another Blackmar-Diemer path is 2.f3 d5 3.e4 Nf6 4.Nc3.
Diagram 187 after 2.Nc3 d5
3.e4
Now 3…dxe4 4.f3 is a BDG. Alternatives are 3.Bg5 or 3.Bf4.
Diagram 188 after 3.e4 Nxe4
4.Nxe4
The Huebsch Gambit. White does well to trade off knights.
Diagram 189 after 4.Nxe4 dxe4
5.Be3
Black has 5…e5, 5…c6, 5…Nd7, 5…g6, 5…Nc6, 5…e6, 5…Bf5.
6.dxe5
If 6…Qxd1+ 7.Rxd1 Nc6 8.Bb5 Bd7 9.Bxc6 Bxc6 10.Ne2.
Diagram 191 after 5.Be3 c6
6.c3
If 6…Bf5 7.g4 Be6 8.Nh3 Qc8 9.Be2.
Diagram 192 after 5.Be3 Nd7
6.f3
If 6…e6 7.Qe2 Nf6 8.fxe4 Nxe4 9.0-0-0.
Diagram 193 after 5.Be3 g6
6.c3
If 6…Bg7 7.Qc2 Qd5 8.Ne2 e5 9.c4.
Diagram 194 after 5.Be3 Nc6
6.d5
If 6…Ne5 7.Qd4. Or if 6…Nb8 7.Qd4.
7.c4
If 7…e5 8.a3 Na6 9.b4. If 7…e6 8.a3 Nd3+ 9.Bxd3.
6.f3
If 6…Nd7 7.Qe2. If 6…Bd6 7.g3 0-0 8.fxe4 e5 9.Nf3.
7.Nxf3
If 7…Nd7 8.Bd3 Be7 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2.
Diagram 198 after 5.Be3 Bf5
6.g4
Black usually retreats with 6…Bg6. If 6…Be6 7.Bg2.
7.Ne2
If 7…h6 8.d5 c6 9.Nc3. If 7…Nd7 8.h4 h6 9.Nf4.
8.h4
If 8…h6 9.Nf4 Bh7 10.Qe2 followed by 0-0-0.
Before You Go
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Tim Sawyer chess books

Blackmar-Diemer Games 1: Accepted
Blackmar-Diemer Games 2: Declined
Blackmar-Diemer Theory 3: Accepted
Blackmar-Diemer Theory 4: Declined
Blackmar-Diemer Series: Books 1-4 (box set bundle)
Blackmar-Diemer Puzzles: 200 Easy Positions
Blackmar-Diemer Games 5: Gambit Accepted and Declined
Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 6: 200 Opening Positions White
Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 7: 200 Opening Positions White
Blackmar-Diemer Series II: 4 Gambit Books (box set bundle)
Queen Pawn: 1.d4 d5 Closed Games
King Pawn: 1.e4 e5 Open Games
Sicilian Defence: 1.e4 c5
French Defence: 1.e4 e6
Caro-Kann: 1.e4 c6
Alekhine & Pirc: 1.e4 Semi-Open
Queen’s Knight: 1.Nc3 & 1…Nc6
Indian Defences: 1.d4 Nf6
Bird & Dutch: 1.f4 and 1…f5
Rare First Moves: Flank Openings
Chess Training Repertoire 1: 50 Openings
King Pawn Puzzles: 200 Easy Opening Checkmates
Sicilian Defence Puzzles: 200 Easy Opening Checkmates
French & Caro Puzzles: 200 Easy Opening Checkmates
Queen Pawn Puzzles: 200 Easy Opening Checkmates
Indian Defence Puzzles: 200 Easy Opening Checkmates
Flank Opening Puzzles: 200 Easy Opening Checkmates
French 3.Be3 Playbook: 200 Opening Positions for White
Philidor 2.Nf3 Playbook: 200 Opening Positions for White
Italian 2.Bc4 Playbook: 200 Positions Bishop Opening White
Kings Gambit Playbook: 200 Opening Positions for White
London 2.Bf4 Playbook: 200 Opening Positions for White
Caro-Kann Playbook: 200 Opening Positions for Black
Slav Defence Playbook: 200 Opening Positions for Black
Chess Games 1.e4 Series: 5 Books in 1 (over 600 Games)
Chess Games 1.d4 Series: 5 Books in 1 (over 500 Games)
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Blackmar-Diemer Series II

Disclaimer and FTC Notice

“Blackmar-Diemer Puzzles: 200 Easy Positions” is a basic introduction to the Blackmar-

“Blackmar-Diemer Games 5: Gambit Accepted and Declined” is a collection of 155 games

“Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 6: 200 Opening Positions for White” gives a complete

“Blackmar-Diemer Playbook 7: 200 Opening Positions for White” gives an alternative

This is a companion to “Blackmar-Diemer Series: Books 1-4”. Now “Blackmar-Diemer

White to play Blackmar’s move 2

White to play Diemer’s move 3

White to play the Blackmar-Diemer move 4

White to play and reach Blackmar’s move 2 position

White to play a piece and head for a Blackmar-Diemer

White to play and offer a gambit

White to play a pawn and head for a Blackmar-Diemer

White to play and offer a gambit

White to play the Ryder Gambit

White to play the main line Blackmar-Diemer

White to play the most popular move 6

White to play the most popular move 7

White to play the most popular move 6

White to play the most popular move 6

White to play the most popular move 6

White to play the most popular move 7

White to play the move popular move 6

White to play the most popular move 7.

White to play the most popular move 6

White to play the most popular move 6.

White to play the most popular move 7.

White to play the most popular move 6.

White to play the most popular move 7.

White to play and win material on move 8.

White to play the most popular move 4.

White to play the most popular move 4.

White to play the most popular move 4.

White to play the most popular move 4.

White to play the most popular move 4.

White to play the most popular gambit move 4.

White to play the most popular move 4.

White to play the most popular gambit move 4.

White to play the most popular move 5.

White to play the most popular move 7.

White to play the most popular move 5.

White to play the most popular move 5.

White to play the most popular move 5.

White to play the most popular move 5.

White to play the most popular move 5.

White to play the most popular move 6.

White to play the most popular move 6.

White to play the most popular move 5.

White to play the most popular move 6.

White to play the most popular move 6.

White to play the most popular move 6.

White to play and regain the gambit pawn on move 7.

White to play the most popular move 7.

White to play the most popular move 4.

White to play the most popular move 5.

White to play the most popular move 6.

White to move and mate in 1.

White to play and mate in 1.

White to play and mate in 1.

White to play and mate in 1.

White to play and mate in 1.

White to play and mate in 1.

White to play and mate in 1.