Wing Gambit

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

Wing Gambit

Moves

1.e4 c5 2.b4

ECO

B20

Named after

Position Description

Parent

Sicilian Defence

Chessgames.com opening explorer

In chess, Wing Gambit is the name given to the branches of several openings in which White gambits his b-pawn against the opponents c-pawn.

Most common is the Wing Gambit in the Sicilian Defence, which runs 1.e4 c5 2.b4 (see diagram). After Black takes with 2...cxb4, the usual continuation is 3.a3 bxa3 (3...d5 is also possible, when White must avoid 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.axb4?? Qe5+ winning the rook; 5.Nf3 is better) and now the main line is 4.Nxa3, though 4.Bxa3 and 4.d4 are also seen. It is also possible to decline (or at least delay acceptance of) the gambit with 2...d5. For his pawn, White gets quicker development and a central advantage, but it is not generally considered one of White's better choices against the Sicilian, and is virtually never seen at the professional level (amongst amateurs it is more common, though still not so popular as other systems). It is also possible to prepare the gambit by playing 2.a3!? followed by 3.b4; another related system is the Wing Gambit Deferred, 2.Nf3 d6 3.b4.

After Black's 2...cxb4 there is another popular 3rd move alternative for White, 3.d4. GMs Koltanowski, Bronstein and World Champion Alexander Alekhine have played this line.

There are two Wing Gambits in the French Defence, 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.b4 and 1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5 c5 4.b4. They can transpose into each other, and both are quite rare. A related idea is found in the Caro-Kann Defence after 1.e4 c6 2.Ne2 d5 3.e5 c5 4.b4, however Black can immediately achieve an advantage by playing 4...d4! (this move is also strong in the second French line given above). Even rarer is the Wing Gambit in the Bishop's Opening, 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Bc5 3.b4, which has some resemblance to the Evans Gambit.

There are several other "Wing Gambits" in various openings, but are very rare, and not as notable as the openings mentioned above: