Budapest Gambit: Adler, Balogh Gambit (A52)

The Adler, Balogh Gambit is a variation of the Budapest Gambit, catalogued as ECO A52. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. Bf4 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bb4+ 6. Nbd2 Qe7, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after six moves. White has doubled pawns on the e-file.

On the Budapest Gambit generally: A counter-gambit where Black strikes at d4 with ...e5 immediately. Leads to sharp, unbalanced 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.

Budapest Gambit: Adler, Balogh Gambit — position after Qe7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. Bf4 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bb4+ 6. Nbd2 Qe7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e5
3dxe5Ng4
4Bf4Nc6
5Nf3Bb4+
6Nbd2Qe7

ECO: A52

Stockfish: +0.39 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Budapest Gambit lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Adler, Balogh Gambit?

The Adler, Balogh Gambit goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. Bf4 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bb4+ 6. Nbd2 Qe7. It is a variation of the Budapest Gambit and is catalogued as ECO A52.

What is the ECO code for the Adler, Balogh Gambit?

The Adler, Balogh Gambit is ECO A52. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Budapest Gambit.

Is the Adler, Balogh Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. Bf4 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bb4+ 6. Nbd2 Qe7 at +0.39 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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 Adler, Balogh Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White has doubled pawns on the e-file.