King's Gambit Declined: Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit (C30)

The Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit is a variation of the King's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO C30. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Qf6 3. Nc3 Qxf4 4. Nf3 Bb4 5. Bc4, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the King's Gambit Declined generally: Black declines the gambit pawn, leading to solid and strategic middlegame positions.

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King's Gambit Declined: Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit — position after Bc4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Qf6 3. Nc3 Qxf4 4. Nf3 Bb4 5. Bc4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2f4Qf6
3Nc3Qxf4
4Nf3Bb4
5Bc4

ECO: C30

Stockfish: +1.53 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related King's Gambit Declined lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit?

The Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Qf6 3. Nc3 Qxf4 4. Nf3 Bb4 5. Bc4. It is a variation of the King's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO C30.

What is the ECO code for the Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit?

The Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit is ECO C30. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Gambit Declined.

Is the Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Qf6 3. Nc3 Qxf4 4. Nf3 Bb4 5. Bc4 at +1.53 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 Norwalde Variation, Bücker Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move.