Center Game: Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit (C21)

The Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit is a variation of the Center Game, catalogued as ECO C21. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Nf3 Bc5 4. c3 dxc3 5. Bc4, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.

On the Center Game generally: ECO C20. A chess opening with 18 known variations.

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Center Game: Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit — position after Bc4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Nf3 Bc5 4. c3 dxc3 5. Bc4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2d4exd4
3Nf3Bc5
4c3dxc3
5Bc4

ECO: C21

Stockfish: -0.30 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Center Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit?

The Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Nf3 Bc5 4. c3 dxc3 5. Bc4. It is a variation of the Center Game and is catalogued as ECO C21.

What is the ECO code for the Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit?

The Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit is ECO C21. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Center Game.

Is the Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Nf3 Bc5 4. c3 dxc3 5. Bc4 at -0.30 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, 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 Lanc-Arnold Gambit, Schippler Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up two points of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.