The Deutz Gambit is a variation of the Giuoco Piano, catalogued as ECO C54. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4), 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 a pawn of material. It is Black to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.
On the Giuoco Piano generally: The 'Quiet Game' — a classical Italian opening where both sides develop bishops to active squares. Leads to rich middlegame play.
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 9 Giuoco Piano variations →
The Deutz Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5. It is a variation of the Giuoco Piano and is catalogued as ECO C54.
The Deutz Gambit is ECO C54. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Giuoco Piano.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. e5 at -0.04 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4), 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 a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.