Budapest Gambit

Sometimes called the Budapest defense. Budapest the capital of Hungary began as the Roman town of Aquincum in 89 A.D. It is the result of the merging of two highly populated Hungarian cities, Buda and Pest. Despite being occupied by the Germans in WWII it contains the highest population of Jewish citizens per capita of any European city.

Like most gambits it is said that strong slow development by the gambited is the wise response. Giving in to the fear and intimidation is the killer for those that do not know how to respond. The odds are against black when using this defense. Often times black will have to fall back and regroup if white plays knowingly. Most prefer to use it against weaker less experienced players or in a friendly game when winning or losing becomes secondary. It is a risk but I enjoy it thoroughly. A couple different lines of play:

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 e5
3. dxe5 Ng4
4. Nf3 Bc5
5. e3 Nc6
6. Be2 O-O
7. O-O Ngxe5
8. Nc3 Re8
9. b3 a5
10. Nxe5 Nxe5
11. Bb2 Ra6

or...

1. d4 Nf6
2. c4 e5
3. dxe5 Ng4 (Ne4 threatens mate but has an awful reputation as it is blatant)
4. Bf4 Nc6
5. Nf3 Bb4+

In either scenario black gets a chance to castle first and keep the pressure on. White has a strong hold on e5 and the center. Does black try to siege the center or assassinate the king?