Schacksnack

International Master Thomas Engqvist and gambit expert Björn Knöppel explore the Budapest Gambit, inspired by Alexander Hildebrand’s and Peder Berkell’s book in Swedish. This sharp line arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ng4, where Black’s kingside knight takes the initiative and aims to recapture White’s pawn on e5.

Is the Budapest Gambit truly playable, and can it serve as a powerful surprise weapon against 1.d4? In this discussion, Engqvist and Knöppel analyse the key ideas and typical plans, that every chess player — regardless of level or colour — should know.

This video is perfect for players of all strengths who enjoy discovering dynamic openings and learning from classic chess literature.

International Master Thomas Engqvist and gambit expert Björn Knöppel explore the Budapest Gambit, inspired by Alexander Hildebrand’s and Peder Berkell’s Swedish book on this fascinating opening. This sharp line arises after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ng4, where Black’s kingside knight takes the initiative and aims to recapture White’s pawn on e5.

Is the Budapest Gambit truly playable, and can it serve as a powerful surprise weapon against 1.d4? In this episode, Engqvist and Knöppel analyse the key ideas, classic plans, and historical development of the gambit — including Rubinstein–Vidmar, Berlin 1918, the breakthrough game that put the opening on the map. They also discuss how Alexander Alekhine refuted the gambit in the mid-1920s, and how the line stands up in modern practice today, drawing on Engqvist’s own experience from the European Club Cup in Durrës, Albania (2023).

This video is perfect for players of all strengths who enjoy discovering dynamic openings, chess history, and practical modern insights from experienced masters.