King's Gambit Accepted: Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense (C37)

The Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense 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. O-O gxf3 6. Qxf3 Qf6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; 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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King's Gambit Accepted: Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense — position after Qf6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. O-O gxf3 6. Qxf3 Qf6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2f4exf4
3Nf3g5
4Bc4g4
5O-Ogxf3
6Qxf3Qf6

ECO: C37

Stockfish: -0.97 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related King's Gambit Accepted lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense?

The Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense goes 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. O-O gxf3 6. Qxf3 Qf6. It is a variation of the King's Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO C37.

What is the ECO code for the Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense?

The Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense is ECO C37. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Gambit Accepted.

Is the Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 g4 5. O-O gxf3 6. Qxf3 Qf6 at -0.97 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge 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.

What kind of position does the Muzio Gambit, Sarratt Defense lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; Black has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.