Play the Budapest Gambit

The Budapest Gambit (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5) is an aggressive, dynamic approach for meeting 1.d4 and is a great line for throwing opponents onto their own resources.

It is certainly double-edged as Black moves the same piece twice early on and also sacrifices a pawn. This pawn is often quickly regained but one of the great advantages of the Budapest is that if White tries to hang on to the pawn (and many players do) Black can quickly whip up a ferocious attack.

A great number of materialistic but unprepared White players have found themselves swiftly demolished by Black’s tremendously active pieces.

When White is more circumspect and allows Black to regain the pawn, play proceeds along more sedate strategic lines where Black enjoys free and easy development. 

Experienced chess author and coach Andrew Martin examines all key variations of the Budapest. There is an emphasis on typical middlegame structures and the important plans and manoeuvres are demonstrated in numerous instructive games.

• Includes complete repertoires for Black with both 3...Ng4 and 3...Ne4
• Comprehensive coverage featuring several new ideas
• Take your opponents out of their comfort zone!

International Master Andrew Martin is a FIDE Senior Trainer. He is the current head of the English Chess Federation Academy, which provides elite training for strong, young players. He teaches in twelve schools and is well known as a chess writer and commentator.