Closed games

Blackmar-Diemer Gambit

1.d4 d5 2.e4

The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit starts with 1.d4 d5 2.e4 and is catalogued under ECO D00, in the closed games half of the book. The catalog indexes 18 lines inside it, grouped into 17 named variations, and the position after those moves has 5 playable continuations to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit
6 plies
Reversed Albin Countergambit
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1…d5

    Mirrors White’s central claim and prevents an easy e4 expansion.

    Idea: Establish a firm center and develop behind the pawn chain.

  3. 2.e4

    Advances to e4 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  4. 2…dxe4

    Captures the pawn on e4 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.

    Idea: Open lines in the center and reshape the center for the next phase.

  5. 3.Nc3

    Develops the knight to c3, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

5 moves
Nf6Blackmar-Diemer Gambit35 named lines · Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Accepted · Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: von Popiel GambitDevelops the knight to f6, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.e5Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Lemberger Countergambit6 named lines · Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Lemberger Countergambit, Lange Gambit · Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Lemberger Countergambit, Soller AttackAdvances to e5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.Bf5Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Zeller Defense2 named lines · Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Zeller Defense, Soller AttackDevelops the bishop to f5, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.c5Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Reversed Albin Countergambit1 named lineAdvances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.f5Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Netherlands Variation1 named lineAdvances the f-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

Openings from the same volume

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.