Flank Gambit (Sicilian Defence)

2. b4

Being strictly a P-K4 player, I'm currently experimenting (in one game so far....) with the aforementioned gambit. I invariably play the Grand Prix against the Sicilian, but from time to time an unusual move or so makes life more interesting... even if not 100% sound....

Has anyone any true experience or relevant comments on this move? Thanks.

Originally posted by English Tal
2. b4

Being strictly a P-K4 player, I'm currently experimenting (in one game so far....) with the aforementioned gambit. I invariably play the Grand Prix against the Sicilian, but from time to time an unusual move or so makes life more interesting... even if not 100% sound....

Has anyone any true experience or relevant comments on this move? Thanks.

Actually, it's called the Wing Gambit

Originally posted by Dutch Defense
Actually, it's called the Wing Gambit

Not in my book... but many years have passed since printing.

Originally posted by English Tal
2. b4

Being strictly a P-K4 player, I'm currently experimenting (in one game so far....) with the aforementioned gambit. I invariably play the Grand Prix against the Sicilian, but from time to time an unusual move or so makes life more interesting... even if not 100% sound....

Has anyone any true experience or relevant comments on this move? Thanks.

Although I never play 1.e4, I'm currently playing against it, and I'm doing very well.

Originally posted by wittywonka
Although I never play 1.e4, I'm currently playing against it, and I'm doing very well.

Thanks for that. Perhaps we could exchange notes afterwards.

Originally posted by Squelchbelch
Game 3155249

Thanks. I reckon white wandered on move 5... but it's all interesting, worth a think.

In his book "Gambiteer I", GM Nigel Davies recommends the Wing Gambit.

The shortest game in the history of the U. S. Championship was a Wing Gambit:

W: Shirazi B: Peters 1984

1 e4 c5 2 b4 cb 3 a3 d5 4 ed Qd5 5 ab Qe5, 0-1

I play it from time to time (usually only against lower rated players).

There's a vicious little trap that I get to employ from time to time in a wierd variation of this line... rubberjaw got killed by it 😛.

All in all I'd say it's certainly not best but probably sound... white does get a good center in exchange.

The nicest thing about this opening is that you can play a slow positional game and still come out on top despite being a pawn down.. the sacrifice is much more positional than tactical.

My record is really good with it for some reason... lots of 1800 players seem to play some strong moves (not book) against it for some reason though so I've dropped it for a while.. playin Bg5 instead, Tal style.

Okay that's all I know... not like you didn't know all that already 😛.

Originally posted by gaychessplayer
In his book "Gambiteer I", GM Nigel Davies recommends the Wing Gambit.

The shortest game in the history of the U. S. Championship was a Wing Gambit:

W: Shirazi B: Peters 1984

1 e4 c5 2 b4 cb 3 a3 d5 4 ed Qd5 5 ab Qe5, 0-1

I think it should be added that the Qe5 move was a + and forked whites king and rook. I remember seeing that game in a book somewhere...

Regarding this wing gambit business, it tends towards a pretty similar position to the c3 type game - only white is a pawn down but has most of the same plusses (central dominance, nicely places pieces, good potential for attack).

Originally posted by ih8sens
Okay that's all I know... not like you didn't know all that already 😛.

Pretty much what I thought about what I said, too... 🙂

Originally posted by English Tal
2. b4

Being strictly a P-K4 player, I'm currently experimenting (in one game so far....) with the aforementioned gambit. I invariably play the Grand Prix against the Sicilian, but from time to time an unusual move or so makes life more interesting... even if not 100% sound....

Has anyone any true experience or relevant comments on this move? Thanks.

I haven't played it...but a good way to get a handle on any opening is to play a few 10 min blitz games with them it always helps me to get good with openings.

Originally posted by English Tal
2. b4

Being strictly a P-K4 player, I'm currently experimenting (in one game so far....) with the aforementioned gambit. I invariably play the Grand Prix against the Sicilian, but from time to time an unusual move or so makes life more interesting... even if not 100% sound....

Has anyone any true experience or relevant comments on this move? Thanks.

A better gambit against the sicilian is the smith-morra, i think- 2.d4 cxd3 3.c3

Originally posted by chesskid001
A better gambit against the sicilian is the smith-morra, i think- 2.d4 cxd3 3.c3

after 3.c3, black should play 3...d3!

Originally posted by Dutch Defense
after 3.c3, black should play 3...d3!

or 3...Nf6