Albin Counter-Gambit

The Albin Counter-Gambit is a chess opening in Queen’s Gambit Declined that begins with the moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 and the usual continuation is: 3. dxe5 d4.

The opening is an uncommon defense to the Queen’s gambit. In exchange for the gambit pawn, Black has a central advantage at d4 and gets some chances for an attack. Often White will try to return the pawn at an opportune moment to gain a positional advantage.

Although this opening was originally played by Cavallotti against Salvioli at the Milan tournament of 1881, it takes its name from Adolf Albin, who played it against Lasker in New York 1893. Though not played frequently at the master level, Russian Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich has recently made some successful use of it.

The main line continues 4.Nf3 Nc6 (4…c5 allows 5.e3 because Black no longer has the bishop check) and now White’s primary options are 5.a3, 5.Nbd2 and 5.g3. Perhaps White’s surest try for an advantage is to fianchetto his king bishop with 5.g3 followed by Bg2 and Nbd2. Black will often castle queenside. A typical continuation is 5.g3 Be6 6.Nbd2 Qd7 7.Bg2 0-0-0 8.0-0 Bh3.