Modern Defense: Masur Gambit (B06)

The Masur Gambit is a variation of the Modern Defense, catalogued as ECO B06. The line runs 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Nh6 3. Nc3 f5 4. Bxh6 Bxh6 5. exf5 O-O, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted; White has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black has the bishop pair.

On the Modern Defense generally: Similar to the Pirc but more flexible. Black fianchettoes the king's bishop early.

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.

Modern Defense: Masur Gambit — position after O-O h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Nh6 3. Nc3 f5 4. Bxh6 Bxh6 5. exf5 O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4g6
2d4Nh6
3Nc3f5
4Bxh6Bxh6
5exf5O-O

ECO: B06

Stockfish: +1.90 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Modern Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Masur Gambit?

The Masur Gambit goes 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Nh6 3. Nc3 f5 4. Bxh6 Bxh6 5. exf5 O-O. It is a variation of the Modern Defense and is catalogued as ECO B06.

What is the ECO code for the Masur Gambit?

The Masur Gambit is ECO B06. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Modern Defense.

Is the Masur Gambit good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Nh6 3. Nc3 f5 4. Bxh6 Bxh6 5. exf5 O-O at +1.90 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 Masur Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted; White has doubled pawns on the f-file; Black has the bishop pair.