The Stafford Gambit Accepted is a variation of the Petrov's Defense, catalogued as ECO C42. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 5. Nc3 Bc5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. 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 doubled pawns on the c-file.
On the Petrov's Defense generally: A symmetrical defense known for its solidity. Black mirrors White's moves in the opening.
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The Stafford Gambit Accepted goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 5. Nc3 Bc5. It is a variation of the Petrov's Defense and is catalogued as ECO C42.
The Stafford Gambit Accepted is ECO C42. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Petrov's Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 5. Nc3 Bc5 at +1.38 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.