The Kotov Gambit is a variation of the King's Gambit Accepted, catalogued as ECO C37. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. d4 gxf3 6. Bxf4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's zero, and Black is up three points of material. It is Black to move after six moves. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.
On the King's Gambit Accepted generally: A romantic opening where White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances.
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The Kotov Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. d4 gxf3 6. Bxf4. It is a variation of the King's Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO C37.
The Kotov Gambit is ECO C37. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Gambit Accepted.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. d4 gxf3 6. Bxf4 at -1.87 at depth 18, which is a clear advantage for Black. 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's zero, and Black is up three points of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.