Cochrane Gambit
Named after Scottish master John Cochrane, this spectacular gambit sacrifices the knight on f7 for rapid development and a devastating attack against Black's exposed king. This line represents one of the most aggressive approaches in the Petrov Defense.
ECO Code
C42
Difficulty
Advanced
Style
Gambit/Attacking
Key Players
Cochrane, Marshall, Blackburne
Strategic Ideas for White
- King exposure: Black's king is trapped in the center
- Development tempo: Rapid piece mobilization for attack
- Material sacrifice: Knight for two pawns and initiative
- Tactical opportunities: Constant threats against the exposed king
- Opening lines: Create attacking chances on multiple fronts
Black's Main Defenses
King Flight
Black accepts the sacrifice and tries to bring the king to safety while developing pieces.
Central Defense
Black creates immediate central counterplay to distract White from the attack.
Piece Development
Black retreats the king and prepares to develop pieces for defensive coordination.
The Cochrane Gambit Philosophy
The Cochrane Gambit embodies the romantic era of chess where material was willingly sacrificed for attack. White gets tremendous practical compensation through Black's exposed king position, rapid development advantage, and constant tactical threats. The gambit requires precise calculation but offers excellent winning chances.
Key Strategic Themes
For White
- Attack coordination: Bring all pieces into the attack quickly
- King hunting: Don't let Black's king reach safety
- Development priority: Rapid piece mobilization is crucial
- Tactical alertness: Look for forcing continuations constantly
For Black
- King safety priority: Get the king to safety as quickly as possible
- Material consolidation: Hold onto the extra material
- Development coordination: Develop pieces for defensive purposes
- Counterplay creation: Look for chances to turn the tables
Critical Variations
Main Line
White continues the attack with checks and rapid development, maintaining constant pressure.
Central Counter
Sharp tactical play where both sides must calculate precisely to navigate the complications.
Gambit Requirements
For White: Precise calculation is essential. Every move must contribute to the attack.
For Black: Don't panic. Careful defense can neutralize the attack and consolidate the material advantage.
Modern Assessment
The Cochrane Gambit remains a dangerous practical weapon despite being theoretically questionable. While modern theory suggests that Black can defend with precise play, the practical difficulties are enormous. The gambit offers White excellent chances in tournament play where time pressure and psychological factors come into play.
Master the Cochrane Gambit
Learn this spectacular sacrificial attack in the Petrov Defense that creates maximum practical complications.
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