The von Popiel Gambit, Zilbermints Variation is a variation of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, catalogued as ECO D00. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Bf5 5. Bxf6 exf6 6. g4 Bg6 7. Qe2 Bb4 8. Qb5+, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after eight moves. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black has the bishop pair.
On the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit generally: ECO D00. A chess opening with 18 known variations.
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.
See all 3 Blackmar-Diemer Gambit variations →
The von Popiel Gambit, Zilbermints Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Bf5 5. Bxf6 exf6 6. g4 Bg6 7. Qe2 Bb4 8. Qb5+. It is a variation of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit and is catalogued as ECO D00.
The von Popiel Gambit, Zilbermints Variation is ECO D00. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Bf5 5. Bxf6 exf6 6. g4 Bg6 7. Qe2 Bb4 8. Qb5+ at -0.85 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e4). Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black has the bishop pair.