Top Gambits Ranked by Lc0: A Deep Dive into Aggressive Chess Openings
The chess gambits are probably the most dangerous and sexiest way to open a game. By giving away material earlier on — a pawn (or more). Players hope to gain the initiative, definitely position their pieces and launch fierce attacks. But which gambits are the best and most reliable according to modern chess engines?
In this article we will consider the best gambits based on the Lc0 (Leela Chess Zero) – a neural-network engine famous for its “human” understanding of dynamically unbalanced positions. We will delve into the strengths, weaknesses and key ideas of each opening, assisting you in choosing which mascot gambits to incorporate into your repertoire – and when best to spring them.
The King’s Gambit (1. e4 e5 2. f4)
Lc0 Evaluate: ≈ +0.3 to +0.5 (a tad better for White)
Overview
One of the oldest and most romantic opening gambits, the King’s Gambit was favored by such legends as Bobby Fischer and Mikhail Tal. 5.g3 White gives away the f-pawn in order to open lines and speed up development.
Why Lc0 Likes It
Dynamic play: Lc0 prefers dynamic openings that provide long-lasting initiative.
Advantages for White: Black tends to fight from behind in development and kingside pressure.
Variability of responses: Black is forced to play accurately to avoid falling into traps.
Key Lines
2…exf4 Accepted: Sharp play results with 3. Nf3 (Classical) or 3. Bc4 (Bishop’s Gambit).
Declined (2…Bc5 or 2…d6): Black attempts to hold his center and can lag development.
Drawbacks
If white acts passively or poorly, black can equalize (i.e., 3…g5 in the Kieseritzky Gambit).
Risky against well-prepared opponents.
The Evans Gambit (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4)
Lc0 Assess: ≈ +0.4 (strong advantage for White)
Overview
Popular with 19th-century players including Paul Morphy, the Evans Gambit gives up a pawn to take command of the center and open the b-file for an attack.
Why Lc0 Likes It
Fast development: White develops his pieces rapidly.
f7 pressure: A classic weakness in the Black camp.
Endgame prospects: Even if Black survives, White often maintains dynamic compensation.
Key Lines
Accepted (4…Bxb4): 5. c3 Ba5 6. d4 grants White the strong centre.
4…Bb6 Preferable to the text, although less well-known.
Drawbacks
Black can put up some resistance with precision (for instance, 5…d6 or the text).
Thoughtful maths that secures and leverages the tempo.
The Scotch Gambit (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4)
Lc0 Assessment: ≈ +0.3 / +0.6 (up to) (in follow-up)
Overview
Somewhere between the Scotch Game and the Italian, rather than gradual development, we see an attempt from black to seize active play.
Why Lc0 Likes It
Openings: Lc0 excels at sharp, open games.
Early f7 pressure: Italian with more sex appeal.
Theoretical word count (or lack thereof): Lower than for other gambits, as the opening is easier to play by intuition.
Key Lines
4…Nf6 5. e5 d5!? : A critical line in which Black struggles for equality.
4…Bc5 5. c3: Sharp system with play similar to the Giuoco Piano.
Drawbacks
Black has a shot at equality with precise defense.
Less forcing than other gambits, transposing into quieter and positional game if Black responds solidly.
The Benko Gambit (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5)
Lc0 Evaluation: ≈ -0.2 to -0.4 (little better for White, but playable)
Overview
The Benko’s exception as an opening gambit is that it is a Black gambit! (Yes, you read right), where pawn for long term pressure along queenside.
Why Lc0 Respects It
Permanent compensation: Black gets open files and piece activity.
Endgame potential: Even if a player wins back material, black typically retains pressure.
Psych factor: It’s rare that a White opponent is comfortable defending.
Key Lines
Accepted (4. cxb5 a6): Gives characteristic Benko type structures.
Declined (4. Nf3 or 4. e3): White Declines complications, but risks losing some dynamism:
Drawbacks
Whlte can consolidate with accurte play.
Requires deep positional understanding.
The Smith-Morra Gambit (1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3)
Lc0 Evaluation: ≈ +0.2 to +0.4 (if Black plays the way I’d expect, otherwise)
Overview
A robust and aggressive anti-Sicilian, the Smith-Morra Gambit is an increasingly popular system against one of Black’s most popular defences.
Why Lc0 Likes It
Quick piece play: White has rapid development and open lines.
Tactical chances: A lot of traps for unwary opponents.
Avoids mainline Sicilian theory.
Key Lines
Accepted (3…dxc3 4. Nxc3): Results in an open type of game.
Declined (3…d3 or 3…Nf6): Black steers clear one type of complications but may have worse development.
Drawbacks
Black can and defend carefully (3…d3 4. Bxd3 Nf6).
Not as effective at the top end.
The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (1. d4 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. f3)
Lc0 Assessment: ≈ -0.3 to -0.5 (questionable but playable)
Overview
An extremely aggressive gambit, the Blackmar-Diemer (BDG) is very controversial: some players love it while others believe it to be completely unsound.
Why Lc0 Cautiously Respects It
Very agressive play by White with powerful initiative.
The element of surprise: A lot of these guys aren’t ready.
Thrilling play: Leads to crazy tactical battles.
Key Lines
4…exf3 5. Nxf3: Leads to open play.
4…e3 (Bogoljubov Defence) A robust rejoinder.
Drawbacks
Objectively dubious against best play.
Requires memorizing many tricky lines.
Conclusion: So, Which Gambit is Better?
According to Lc0’s assessments, the strongest gambits for practical purposes are:
- Evans Gambit (best soundest and most dynamic)
- King’s Gambit (aggressive but riskier)
- Scotch Gambit (solid and flexible)
- Benko Gambit (best for Black)
- cf4 Ne6 (okay for club players) 14.Nf5 Bc7 15.Qg4 Qd7 16.Be3 Rfe8 17.c3 a3 Pushing the pawn (grabbing with g-pawn, okay as well).
- Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (for thrill-seekers)
If you play sharp, tactical chess, these gambits are powerful weapons — even at the highest levels. Human opponents get nervous — Even against engines like Lc0 can refute some lines at perfect play, and humans don’t always repent.
