Albin Countergambit
The Albin Countergambit answers the Queen's Gambit with a central pawn offer on e5. Black challenges the Queen's Gambit with a pawn offer and often advances d4 after White captures on e5. That advanced pawn creates tactical pressure but needs support. The Lasker Trap illustrates an underpromotion idea requiring a particular White mistake.
Opening moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5
White’s plan
Develop and challenge the advanced d4 pawn without ignoring checks. Decide whether to keep the extra pawn according to king safety and activity.
Black’s plan
Use the advanced d-pawn to restrict White while developing. Calculate checks and promotion ideas before sacrificing more material to maintain the pawn.
Ideas behind the moves
d5
Put the pawn on d5 to occupy a central square. Compare the resulting center with the other branches.
e5
Put the pawn on e5 to occupy a central square. Compare the resulting center with the other branches.
d4
Put the pawn on d4 to occupy a central square. Compare the resulting center with the other branches.
Three mistakes to watch for
- Taking a bishop while overlooking a pawn advance with check.
- Assuming promotion to a queen is always stronger than promotion to a knight.
- Preserving the advanced pawn at the cost of development.
An example practice line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. a3 Be6 6. Nbd2 Qd7
This is one study continuation. Your opponent can choose other replies; learn the plan as well as the moves.
A tactical example
Lasker Trap: Promote to a knight
White takes the bishop with Bxb4 while the pawn on e3 can advance with check. The line uses a knight underpromotion to keep checking and eventually wins the queen. It is a material-winning continuation, not a forced-mate lesson.
This trap depends on a specific opponent mistake. It is not a guaranteed win from the opening.
Variations to explore
Meet the kingside fianchetto
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. g3 Be6 6. Bg2 Qd7
Practice this line →Albin Countergambit, Modern Line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2
Practice this line →Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 Bg4 6. h3 Bxf3 7. Nxf3 Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Qe7
Practice this line →Albin Countergambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3
Practice this line →
Common questions
What is Albin Countergambit?
Albin Countergambit is a chess opening. One standard move order is 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5.
How can I practice this opening?
Start with the main line and its explanations, recall it on the board, then add opponent replies and review the positions you found difficult.
Related openings
Content sources
- Opening names and routes use the Lichess opening database, released under CC0. Lichess chess-openings · CC0
- Position scores are prepared with Stockfish 18. They describe the recorded position, not your rating or a guaranteed result. Stockfish
- Move explanations and practice plans are prepared for this trainer. Translated lesson text is a draft and may need editorial corrections.