I recently played a game of Icelandic gambit as black where my opponent made the move 8.Qd3? which is a mistake. However, after analyzing this game, I realised that had they played 8. Bd2 instead, then after 8. ...Nxd2, 9.Qxd2, there is not much followup to black's play (9. ...Qe7 is met with O-O-O). Black does not seem to get enough compensation for the pawn gambit. And this is after considering that this is one of the "better" Icelandic gambit lines where Black manages to get in a 6. ...Bb4+, 7. Nc3, Ne4. There does not seem to be enough 'bite' to the black attack and it is easily nullified. What do you think?
Is the Icelandic gambit playable?
Sort:
@1
"had they played 8. Bd2 instead, then after 8. ...Nxd2, 9.Qxd2, there is not much followup to black's play" ++ That is right.
"Black does not seem to get enough compensation for the pawn gambit."
++ That is the problem with most gambits.
"this is one of the "better" Icelandic gambit lines"
++ No. Better is 5...Qe7 threatening ...Bxc4 and ...Qb4+.
"There does not seem to be enough 'bite' to the black attack and it is easily nullified."
++ That is the problem with almost all gambits.
Please Sign Up to comment.
If you need help, please contact our Help and Support team.