Is this a playable way to handle the Soerensen Defense (Danish Gambit)?

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Avatar of cigoL

Just played my first 30-minute game with the Sørensen Defense, Danish Gambit. Here is how I played the opening (as White). I would very much like to hear if my fellow chess'ers think this is playable, or if some moves could have been better. Thanks! 

 

Avatar of cigoL

Thanks, Anthony. I've got 3 question for you now. Smile

  1. Do you mean something like this: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 d5 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.cxd4 Nc6 6.Nf3
  2. How do I risk losing the e-pawn by pushing it? Can you give an example? 
  3. What do you think about the way I played it? Do you see any clear mistakes? 
Avatar of billwall

I usually take the pawn after 3...d5 and get a good game.

Avatar of cigoL

Bill, I really like 5. Be3! But I don't understand why Black gave up his Queen. Was it a blitz game? 

Do you think my approach works as well, or would it fail if I played a better opponent? 

Thanks! 

Avatar of billwall

Cigol,

If you mean 4.e5, that's OK also.  Blackburne, Lasker, and Mieses played that variation.   I don't think your opponent's 6...Bf5 was best.  Perhaps 6...Qd5 is better as in this game.

 

Avatar of cigoL

Thanks, Bill. Yes, I meant 4. e5, but not only 4. e5. I agree, 5...Bf5 wasn't so good, but do you think the White moves were good in this 14-move opening sequence? Or do you see some moves that are clearly mistakes? 

Avatar of billwall

The 14-move opening sequence looks OK.  After 14.Be4 Black can play 14...Nbc6.  If 15.b5, then 15...Na5 16.Bxa8 Nb3 and Black still has a game as Black threatens the queen, rook and bishop at a8.  It looks drawish to me.

Avatar of cigoL

Thanks a lot, Bill! The game went like this, and it was close be a draw, but Black made a couple of mistakes.