The New Staunton Gambit: 3. f3!?

The Staunton Gambit a sound gambit against the Dutch Defense. However, most Dutch players are familiar with the 3. Nc3 line, and it will soon become an equal, boring game. Instead, we can change that up a bit.

We Black has 3 main moves here. The best is d5,  exf3 is  also a move. First, we will look at the most common response, exf3. The more tricky variation after this is 4. Bd3, but the slightly better response is Nxf3. 

4. Bd3 has a very sneaky idea. If black captures on g2, trapping our rook, they are completely losing due to a queen sacrifice checkmate.

The most common move after Bd3, thus, is not fxg3, but Nf6. This a quite natural move. However, while we are down a pawn, we have much better development, not to mention an open f-file.

Going back, if the computer recommended move 4.f2+ is played, take the pawn, and you have easy development, and can castle by hand if needed.

If black plays 3...d5, we can just take the pawn, and since the e-pawns are isolated, we will have no issues in gaining it back, and having a somewhat good position. A sample game from masters is shown below.

Enjoy this surprise weapon when encountering the Dutch Defense. Good Luck!