I thought this would be perfect timing to start a Topic on the Halloween Gambit.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nxf6 4 Nxe5 Nxe5 5 d4
Just wandering what your views are on this.
Is it a dubious or scary opening?
Has any forumites played with or against it?
Has it been played by any titled players?
Many thanks.
Halloween Gambit
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Roger de Coverly
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Re: Halloween Gambit
It's an internet Blitz idea from around 25 years ago, which arguably has escaped into the mainstream. If you have a large database, there will be examples of Black successfully consolidating the extra material.Simon Rogers wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:19 pmI thought this would be perfect timing to start a Topic on the Halloween Gambit.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nxf6 4 Nxe5 Nxe5 5 d4
Just wandering what your views are on this.
Is it a dubious or scary opening?
Has any forumites played with or against it?
Has it been played by any titled players?
A broad assessment may be that White sacrifices a piece for a pawn but gets a pawn's worth of compensation.
i expect some titled players have played it in Blitz.
There's also a reversed version possible against the Glek system.
So 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. g3 Nxe4
The extra move may even improve it a bit as g3 isn't available as a retreat for the Knight.
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Kevin Thurlow
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Re: Halloween Gambit
Search for "Eric Rosen" "Halloween Gambit" Youtube on Google and watch several videos...
I have played it online a couple of times, but only against selected opponents.
I have played it online a couple of times, but only against selected opponents.
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John Upham
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Re: Halloween Gambit
What are those selection criteria?Kevin Thurlow wrote: ↑Fri Oct 29, 2021 3:34 pmI have played it online a couple of times, but only against selected opponents.
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Twitter: @BritishChess
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/britishchess
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Kevin Thurlow
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Re: Halloween Gambit
"What are those selection criteria?"
People I've played before and either (a) I expect to win anyway, or (b) I want to make them laugh. Overriding though is (c) that I don't care particularly about online Blitz results. Chess is supposed to be fun.
People I've played before and either (a) I expect to win anyway, or (b) I want to make them laugh. Overriding though is (c) that I don't care particularly about online Blitz results. Chess is supposed to be fun.
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Matt Mackenzie
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Re: Halloween Gambit
It catches quite a few of the unaware because White can quickly build a scary looking centre.
As ever, returning material at the appropriate moment can be an effective counter.
As ever, returning material at the appropriate moment can be an effective counter.
"Set up your attacks so that when the fire is out, it isn't out!" (H N Pillsbury)
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JustinHorton
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Re: Halloween Gambit
It was the subject of a piece by Tim Krabbé on the Chess Café some years ago.
"Do you play chess?"
"Yes, but I prefer a game with a better chance of cheating."
lostontime.blogspot.com
"Yes, but I prefer a game with a better chance of cheating."
lostontime.blogspot.com
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Nick Ivell
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Re: Halloween Gambit
In a word, this gambit is garbage.
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Simon Rogers
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Re: Halloween Gambit
Not according to the summary at the end of the article.
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Francis Fields
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- Location: London
Re: Halloween Gambit
This is not a gambit but a reckless attempt.