King's Pawn Game: Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit (C44)

The Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit is a variation of the King's Pawn Game, catalogued as ECO C44. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Be2 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). 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 d-file.

On the King's Pawn Game generally: ECO B00. A chess opening with 38 known variations.

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King's Pawn Game: Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit — position after e5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Be2 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3Nc6
3Be2Nf6
4d4exd4
5e5

ECO: C44

Stockfish: -0.25 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related King's Pawn Game lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit?

The Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Be2 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5. It is a variation of the King's Pawn Game and is catalogued as ECO C44.

What is the ECO code for the Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit?

The Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit is ECO C44. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Pawn Game.

Is the Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Be2 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 at -0.25 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 Tayler Opening, Basman Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). 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.