Alapin-Diemer Gambit
Both 1.e4 and 1.d4 gambiteers seem to often give up their gambit plans when faced with the French Defense. There simply aren’t many ways to give up material in the French opening, while getting some kind of development or positional compensation for it. But “not many” isn’t the same as “none at all”, and the Alapin-Diemer Gambit, aka Alapin-French, aka French Defense: Alapin Gambit, could be the perfect tool for this situation.
The plan is to deviate from any French line as soon as move 3 with 3.Be3. Then, instead of trying to recover the e-pawn that Black is likely to capture, offer to trade it on f3 in classic Blackmar-Diemer style. The resulting position should be one where Black is a pawn up, but White has a lead in development and more control over the center.
The next phase of the game obviously depends on Black’s take on the gambit. But in case they go for normal development and castle on the kingside, White aims all attackers on the h7-square or on its defenders. As Black might need some time to bring in more pieces from the queenside, White will often consider exchange sacrifices to power through and overwhelm Black.
Taking the theory to my showcase game of today, you can see in the diagram below what most of White’s pieces are thinking and how there’s basically just one black defender – the poor knight on f7 – making sure the position doesn’t crumble immediately. Don’t get me wrong, the engines would consider the position as balanced but Black should be very careful not to slip.
I could post my annotated game now – and I will – but it’s probably more fun to give you a piece of the action. If you want to try to finish the game from the point where there’s a forced mate, try the puzzle below. I left out the very last move, because four different mates are possible there.
Whether or not you know how things ended through the solution of the puzzle, here’s the annotated game.
In conclusion: If you’re not too keen of being dragged into the French preparations of your opponent, chances are they aren't very familiar with 3.Be3. You’ll get a fun gambit, enough compensation for the pawn to use this openings in slow games too, and probably a fair share of attacking chances. Just make sure to get the attack going of course, because if you allow Black too much time and opportunities to exchange your advanced pieces, you’ll just be a pawn down in the end. Do give the opening a try, and feel free to post some adventures below.
