Budapest Gambit Guide

The Budapest Gambit is a chess opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5. Black gives away one of their central pawns in exchange for rapid development and attack. In many variations black will get that pawn back. The Budapest is one of the trickiest gambits due to the high number of traps involved. White needs to be very careful not to fall for a devastating tactic. The Budapest Gambit is not seen often at elite level. It’s a surprise weapon that is more common at club level.

Main Ideas in the Budapest Gambit

The main strategic fight in the Budapest Gambit happens over the e5 pawn. Black will try to gain it back, which they will easily accomplish in most of the lines. White has the possibility to try to hold on to that extra pawn or to quickly let it go and give priority to their piece development and pawn structure. Let’s check out some of the most played lines and variations of the Budapest Gambit.

Most Played Moves in the Budapest Gambit

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5

These are the defining moves of the Budapest Gambit.

3.dxe5 Ng4

White takes the pawn and black immediately tries to get it back.

4.Nf3 Bc5

White defends the pawn. Black develops a piece, eying the f2 square.

5.e3 Nc6

White avoids the B+K battery on the f2 pawn. Black develops their other knight to try to capture the e5 pawn.

6.Be2 Ngxe5

White is ready to castle short. Black finally gets the pawn back.

7.O-O O-O

8.Nc3 Re8

9.Nxe5 Nxe5

Development is almost complete for both sides.

Kieninger Trap

The Kieninger Trap is one of the most devastating tactics in the Budapest Gambit.

It is easily avoidable, but it can happen if white is not careful.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ng4

4.Bf4 Nc6

5.Nf3 Bb4+

6.Nbd2 Qe7

7.a3 Ngxe5

White threatens to take the bishop on b4, but black has other plans in mind and simply takes the e5 pawn.

8.axb4 Nd3#

White didn’t see the mortal trap. Black delivers mate in a crushing fashion.

Alekhine Variation

In the Alekhine Variation of the Budapest Gambit, white doesn’t try to defend the e5 pawn and instead plays e4 in order to expand on the center and then play also f4.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ng4

4.e4

Adler Variation

In the Adler Variation, white decides to hold on to the pawn with 4.Nf3, although not for long. White will develop their pieces naturally.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ng4

4.Nf3

Rubinstein Variation

In the Rubinstein Variation, white defends the e5 pawn with the move 4.Bf4.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ng4 4.Bf4

Fajarowicz Variation

In the Fajarowicz Variation, black plays 3…Ne4 instead of 3…Ng4. With this move, black tries to get a lead in development and exert pressure on white’s camp.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ne4

Model Games

Related Chess Courses

Countering 1.d4 Gambits with GM Jacek Stopa

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A51 Sub-variants:

• Budapest defence declined
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5
• Budapest, Fajarowicz variation
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ne4
• Budapest, Fajarowicz, Steiner variation
  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ne4 4. Qc2