WHITE. BLACK.
1. P to K 4 1. P to K 4
2. P to K B 4 2. P takes P
3. Kt to K B 3 ...
This move completes the Gambit.
... 3. P to K Kt 4
This move has a double object. First, it protects the Gambit pawn, which
would be attacked after White's necessary P to Q 4, and then it enables
Black to post his B at Kt 2, which is essential, as in some variations
White might play P to K R 4, when without the B at Kt 2, Black could not
reply P to K R 3, because his Rook would not then be protected, and his
pawns on the King's side would be broken up.
4. B to B 4 4. B to Kt 2
5. P to Q 4 5. P to Q 3
6. P to K R 4 6. P to K R 3
See previous remark. Of course, were Black now to advance the attacked
pawn, he would weaken the Gambit pawn. {394}
7. P takes P 7. P takes P
8. R takes R 8. B takes R
9. Q to Q 3 ...
The intention being to play P to K 5 and Q to R 7, attacking two pieces,
and threatening mate. Black prevents this by--
... 9. Kt to K R 3
White has not as yet gained any marked advantage to compensate for the
sacrificed pawn.
Black's best defence in the King's Knight's Gambit is to play 4. ... P to
Kt 5, thereby forcing White to adopt either the Muzio or the Salvio attack,
in either of which cases Black should get the best of the game, as we
proceed to show.