My first impressions of Halloween Gambit

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rigamagician

mikael, what is the refutation by the way?  I wouldn't mind learning that myself.

KelsierIsAlive

There are many refutations, for example Capablanca says that Nb4! refutes the gambit, for example game continues Nb4 a3 Na6 Bxa6 bxa6 O-O, but i think it just gives white an edge. Another possible refutation is here

 

Black also had white's knight trapped and ready to get captured later on the game. Black is only a point back and has a strong attack for compensation.
rigamagician

mikael, 4...Nb4? not even recapturing the knight?  White could just reply 5.Bc4 attacking black's f-pawn.  Also in your diagram, IM Maurits Wind has published analysis in Kaissiber recommending 11.Qe2 which I've had good results with as white.

KelsierIsAlive

Oh, dammit. Sorry. After Nxe4 e4 Nc6 e5 then Nb4!

Also i don't know who Maurits Wind is and i don't care for his books :) they don't even sell it here anyway lol

rigamagician

mikael, could you post a diagram?

IM Maurits Wind is probably the world's foremost expert on the Halloween.  He won both the first and second email tournies beating out GM Milov amongst others.  I would say his analysis in Kaissiber is essential reading for anyone serious about learning the gambit.  You can buy Kaissiber online from their web site.

KelsierIsAlive

Alright, i'll try that out..

rigamagician

mikael, Minchev faced that twice winning both games.  Are you sure that's from Capablanca?

rigamagician

KelsierIsAlive

Considering it isn't the best move.. you know the answer Wink

But i'm sure it was some GM.. gotta do some research.