Bishop's Opening: Krejcik Gambit (C24)

The Krejcik Gambit is a variation of the Bishop's Opening, catalogued as ECO C24. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. f3 Bc5 4. Ne2 Nc6 5. b4, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Bishop's Opening generally: White develops the bishop early to c4, targeting f7. Can lead to sharp or quiet positions.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Bishop's Opening: Krejcik Gambit — position after b4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. f3 Bc5 4. Ne2 Nc6 5. b4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Bc4Nf6
3f3Bc5
4Ne2Nc6
5b4

ECO: C24

Stockfish: -1.44 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Bishop's Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Krejcik Gambit?

The Krejcik Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. f3 Bc5 4. Ne2 Nc6 5. b4. It is a variation of the Bishop's Opening and is catalogued as ECO C24.

What is the ECO code for the Krejcik Gambit?

The Krejcik Gambit is ECO C24. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Bishop's Opening.

Is the Krejcik Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6 3. f3 Bc5 4. Ne2 Nc6 5. b4 at -1.44 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Krejcik Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.