Can we still go into the Albin counter gambit successfully when white does  not play 2. c4? Any lines or examples would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Well, if white does not first Gambit the pawn at c4, Black cannot counter the gambit via e5. The move can be played for some shock value, however, it would no longer be an Albin counter Gambit.

Example; 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e5.

This apparently has decent winning chances... based on 18 games in the Chess.com database, but I would not suggest using it.

Hey thanks for the comment. What defense would you suggest to study as a backup when they go into another line. and what is the most common response you see besides 2. c4. Is it possible to transpose into a grunfeld after 1...d5? Much appreciated!

Hi folk ! I have also a problem when I try to play the albin counter gambit and my opponent simply plays ... 2. Nf3 (most common answer after c4). What do you guys play ? I am now looking at c5 to try something active (in the same "spririt" as in the albin counter gambit).

Actually, there is a possible transposition:

1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c4 e5!?

now if white takes on e5, it's our beloved Albin.

If he doesn't play 3. c4, you probably need to play the Chigorin.

If 4. Nxe5 Nxe5 5. dxe5, which might be even better than the Albin, you can either take 5. ..dxc4 and go into the endgame, you'll be fine _if_ you get your king to c7. I however prefer 5. ..d4, when you have something similiar to the Albin, but it's quite different.

In fact, in SOS (Secrets of Opening Surprises) 9, Jeroen Bosch takes a look at this variation, i can highly reccommend the book (and the series) ! I'll try it in a tournament game one day.