Danish Gambit Accepted: Main Line, 4...d5 (C21)

The Main Line, 4...d5 is a variation of the Danish Gambit Accepted, catalogued as ECO C21. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 d5 5. Bxd5 Nf6, reaching the position shown below after 10 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 one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; the d-file file is fully open.

On the Danish Gambit Accepted generally: ECO C21. A chess opening with 6 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.

Danish Gambit Accepted: Main Line, 4...d5 — position after Nf6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 d5 5. Bxd5 Nf6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2d4exd4
3c3dxc3
4Bc4d5
5Bxd5Nf6

ECO: C21

Stockfish: +1.74 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Danish Gambit Accepted lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Main Line, 4...d5?

The Main Line, 4...d5 goes 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 d5 5. Bxd5 Nf6. It is a variation of the Danish Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO C21.

What is the ECO code for the Main Line, 4...d5?

The Main Line, 4...d5 is ECO C21. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Danish Gambit Accepted.

Is the Main Line, 4...d5 good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4 d5 5. Bxd5 Nf6 at +1.74 at depth 18, which is a clear advantage for White. 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 Main Line, 4...d5 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 one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file; the d-file file is fully open.