Top Gambits Ranked by Lc0: A Deep Dive into Aggressive Chess Openings
Chess gambits are some of the most exciting and aggressive ways to start a game. By sacrificing material early—usually a pawn or more—players aim to seize the initiative, develop pieces rapidly, and launch devastating attacks. But which gambits are the most sound and effective according to modern chess engines?
In this article, we analyze the top gambits ranked by Lc0 (Leela Chess Zero), a neural network-based engine known for its human-like understanding of dynamic positions. We’ll explore the strengths, weaknesses, and key ideas behind each gambit, helping you decide which ones to add to your repertoire.
1. The King’s Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.f4)
Lc0 Evaluation: ≈ +0.3 to +0.5 (slightly favorable for White)
Overview
One of the oldest and most romantic gambits, the King’s Gambit has been played by legends like Bobby Fischer and Mikhail Tal. White sacrifices the f-pawn to open lines and accelerate development.
Why Lc0 Likes It
Dynamic play: Lc0 favors aggressive openings with long-term initiative.
Strong attacking chances: White often gets a lead in development and kingside pressure.
Flexible responses: Black must defend accurately to avoid falling into traps.
Key Lines
Accepted (2…exf4): Leads to sharp play with 3.Nf3 (Classical) or 3.Bc4 (Bishop’s Gambit).
Declined (2…Bc5 or 2…d6): Black tries to hold the center but may fall behind in development.
Drawbacks
Black can equalize with precise play (e.g., 3…g5 in the Kieseritzky Gambit).
Risky against well-prepared opponents.
2. The Evans Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4)
Lc0 Evaluation: ≈ +0.4 (strong initiative for White)
Overview
A favorite of 19th-century players like Paul Morphy, the Evans Gambit sacrifices a pawn to dominate the center and open the b-file for an attack.
Why Lc0 Likes It
Rapid development: White gets quick piece activity.
Pressure on f7: A classic weak spot in Black’s camp.
Endgame chances: Even if Black survives, White often retains compensation.
Key Lines
Accepted (4…Bxb4): 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 gives White a strong center.
Declined (4…Bb6): Less common but solid.
Drawbacks
Black can defend with accurate moves (e.g., 5…d6 or 5…Nf6).
Requires precise calculation to maintain the initiative.
3. The Scotch Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4)
Lc0 Evaluation: ≈ +0.3 to +0.6 (depends on follow-up)
Overview
A hybrid between the Scotch Game and the Italian, the Scotch Gambit aims for rapid piece play instead of slow maneuvering.
Why Lc0 Likes It
Open positions: Lc0 thrives in tactical, open games.
Early pressure on f7: Similar to the Italian but with more dynamism.
Less theoretical than other gambits: Easier to play intuitively.
Key Lines
4…Nf6 5.e5 d5!?: A critical line where Black fights for equality.
4…Bc5 5.c3: Leads to sharp play resembling the Giuoco Piano.
Drawbacks
Black can equalize with accurate defense.
Less forcing than other gambits, leading to quieter positions if Black plays solidly.
4. The Benko Gambit (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5)
Lc0 Evaluation: ≈ -0.2 to -0.4 (slightly better for White, but playable)
Overview
Unlike other gambits, the Benko Gambit (or Volga Gambit) is a Black gambit, sacrificing a pawn for long-term pressure on the queenside.
Why Lc0 Respects It
Lasting compensation: Black gets open files and piece activity.
Endgame potential: Even if material is regained, Black often keeps pressure.
Psychological factor: Many White players are uncomfortable defending.
Key Lines
Accepted (4.cxb5 a6): Leads to typical Benko structures.
Declined (4.Nf3 or 4.e3): White avoids complications but may lose dynamism.
Drawbacks
White can consolidate with precise play.
Requires deep positional understanding.
5. The Smith-Morra Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3)
Lc0 Evaluation: ≈ +0.2 to +0.4 (depends on Black’s response)
Overview
A sharp anti-Sicilian weapon, the Smith-Morra Gambit gives up a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances.
Why Lc0 Likes It
Fast piece play: White gets quick development and open lines.
Tactical opportunities: Many traps for unprepared opponents.
Avoids mainline Sicilian theory.
Key Lines
Accepted (3…dxc3 4.Nxc3): Leads to open, dynamic play.
Declined (3…d3 or 3…Nf6): Black avoids complications but may fall behind in development.
Drawbacks
Black can neutralize with accurate play (e.g., 3…d3 4.Bxd3 Nf6).
Less effective at the highest levels.
6. The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.f3)
Lc0 Evaluation: ≈ -0.3 to -0.5 (risky but playable)
Overview
A highly aggressive gambit, the Blackmar-Diemer (BDG) is controversial—some love it, others consider it unsound.
Why Lc0 Cautiously Respects It
Extreme attacking chances: White gets a strong initiative.
Surprise factor: Many players are unprepared.
Exciting play: Leads to wild tactical battles.
Key Lines
4…exf3 5.Nxf3: Leads to open play.
4…e3 (Bogoljubov Defense): A solid counter.
Drawbacks
Objectively dubious against best play.
Requires memorizing many tricky lines.
Conclusion: Which Gambit Should You Play?
Based on Lc0’s evaluations, the best gambits for practical play are:
Evans Gambit (most sound and dynamic)
King’s Gambit (aggressive but riskier)
Scotch Gambit (solid and flexible)
Benko Gambit (best for Black)
Smith-Morra Gambit (great for club players)
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (for thrill-seekers)
If you enjoy sharp, tactical chess, these gambits can be powerful weapons—even at the highest levels. While engines like Lc0 can refute some lines with perfect play, human opponents often crack under pressure.
