Accepted Main Line

1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2

Black accepts both pawns and White responds by developing two bishops to active diagonals. The Danish Gambit is about time: if White develops quickly, Black can struggle to coordinate defense.

ECO Code

C21-C22

Difficulty

Intermediate

Style

Gambit/Attack

Key Theme

Rapid development

What Both Sides Want

White

Nf3, 0-0, Qb3

Develop quickly and create threats on f7 and the center. The bishops are strongest in open positions.

Black

...d6, ...Nf6, ...Be7

Prioritize king safety. If Black completes development, the two extra pawns become a long-term advantage.

Key Decision

Return material if needed

Black often gives back a pawn to finish development. Holding everything can be dangerous.

Common Pitfalls

For White: Don't spend time grabbing pawns back slowly. If you lose momentum, the gambit loses its purpose.

For Black: Don't try to keep everything at the cost of king safety. Development is the real defense here.

Attack With Development

The accepted Danish is at its best when you play forcing, active moves and keep lines open for the bishops.

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