| This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves. |
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The Rousseau Gambit is a chess opening characterised by the moves:
The gambit is named after Eugène Rousseau. White's best response is to decline the gambit by supporting the e pawn with 4. d3. The resulting position is similar to a King's Gambit Declined with colours reversed, and White's king bishop aiming at Black's weakened kingside. Black will have trouble castling kingside and Ng5 is a likely threat. White's position is better, but still requires careful play.
Key themes for White are to attack Black's kingside and to avoid attempts by Black to simplify the position. Exchanges involving White's light bishop are particularly suspect.
The best advice for Black is to not play this gambit as it is considered refuted.
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White's best response is to decline the gambit and to wait to capture the f pawn.
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White still has a good game after the inferior 4.exf5, but the position is less clear. Black usually plays 4...e4, which White may meet by 5.Nd4! Nf6 (5...Nxd4? leads to trouble after 6.Qh5+) 6.Nxc6.