Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation (A83)

The Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation is a variation of the Dutch Defense, catalogued as ECO A83. The line runs 1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 g6 5. h4, reaching the position shown below after 9 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 five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.

On the Dutch Defense generally: An aggressive response to 1.d4 where Black immediately fights for control of the e4 square.

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Dutch Defense: Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation — position after h4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 g6 5. h4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4f5
2e4fxe4
3Nc3Nf6
4Bg5g6
5h4

ECO: A83

Stockfish: -0.09 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Dutch Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation?

The Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation goes 1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 g6 5. h4. It is a variation of the Dutch Defense and is catalogued as ECO A83.

What is the ECO code for the Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation?

The Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation is ECO A83. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Dutch Defense.

Is the Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 f5 2. e4 fxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 g6 5. h4 at -0.09 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 Staunton Gambit, Alekhine Variation lead to?

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 e-file.