The Schara Gambit: A deadly surprise against the Queen’s Gambit

January 26, 2025 NHaselton Uncategorized

Hanging PawnsSun, January 26, 2025 11:00amURL:
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The Schara Gambit is deadly, which I learned from (almost) bitter experience during my last tournament.

My opponent played it without knowing it, and I had no idea it was an opening at all. We were both on our own, and he had a way easier position to play. I was struggling to survive the opening. In the end I managed since his play wasn’t perfect, and won the game, but I had come veeery close to losing.

The Schara Gambit, and the von Hennig Gambit as part of it, are a great surprise weapon against Queen’s Gambit players. You start by playing the Tarrasch, and then just give up your d pawn for an initiative. The gambit is sound as well. You’re not risking a losing position with it.

Here’s a great tool for learning openings: https://chessbook.com/hanging-pawns
If you want to test yourself in the Schara Gambit or any other position or opening and need a sparring partner, try playing against Noctie, a human-like AI that will try to trick you just like a real human would. Visit noctie.ai/?aff=q9yKD and use the code “HANGINGPAWNS” to get a 64% discount.

#chess

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