Black is Back Blumenfeld Gambit by IM Andras Toth + PGN Apr 28, 2025

An ultimate, epic resource of fun

To play a rare opening you know better than your opponent is an amazing feeling. Maybe that’s why Benjamin Blumenfeld invented the Blumenfeld Gambit in the 1920s. And maybe that’s also one of the reasons why world-class players like Alekhine and Tartakower played it later on.

The Blumenfeld Gambit starts after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 b5.
The main idea is to get a strong center at the cost of a flank pawn.

From the above position, the famous game Tarrasch – Alekhine, 1922—the game that inspired the author to discover this gambit—unfolded into a masterpiece that went on to win a beauty prize. This game is a perfect example of the dynamic and thrilling possibilities this opening can create:

Tarrasch – Alekhine, 1922

If you want to learn how to play this opening, there is probably no better way than to study this course. It’s a complete and in-depth manual that teaches you everything you need to know about the Blumenfeld Gambit. And even more than that: it also covers all deviations White can play on move 3, except for 3.Nc3, which would be covered by other openings. Here’s an overview of what is covered:

✅ The Blumenfeld Gambit Accepted
✅ The Blumenfeld Gambit Declined
✅ White’s other options of avoiding the Blumenfeld Gambit in the Anti-Benoni variation
✅ White’s rare options on move 3, such as 3. g3 or 3. a3

Accepting the gambit is the most critical and common continuation:

If White takes the pawn, your compensation will be mostly to claim the full center. Your standard set-up here is Bd6, Bb7, Nbd7, as well as Qe7, preparing to advance the e-pawn. Your pieces support the strong center, and the bishops are aimed at White’s kingside, waiting for the opportune moment to open up the center for a decisive attack!

Crush 1.d4-2.c4 players with Overwhelming Preparation

The Blumenfeld Gambit is a true adventure. In some lines, you’ll need the courage to concede White a small advantage—but only theoretically. In practice, White will rarely be able to capitalize on it, as you’ll be armed with clear plans, deep preparation, and superior understanding.

Much like the gambit’s inventor, the author of this course, aCupOfGreenTea, dove deep into the subject. He delivered an impressive piece of work that proves the Blumenfeld Gambit is far from refuted. His dedication paid off: the course is the winner of our Create Your Own Course Contest 2024.

The material is brought to life in video format by none other than IM Andras Toth, 2021 Author of the Year and one of our most beloved course creators. With his trademark humor and clear, instructive style, he’ll guide you through the wild and wonderful world of the Blumenfeld Gambit.

With an impressive word and variation count, this is a course with Lifetime Repertoire depth! Here’s what you’ll find in it:

🌼 Over 300,000 words of detailed explanations, including many clickable sidelines
🌼 500+ trainable variations
🌼 Quickstarter chapter with the 20 most representative lines
🌼 a selection of 150 priority lines so you can focus on the most essential parts until you’re ready to dive deeper
🌼 more than 10 hours of top-level video instruction

This course is perfect for anyone seeking a rare and ambitious Black opening that is highly tactical and often also positionally complex. It’s a great choice for club level players and higher, all the way up to master level. Just be prepared to dig deep—this course rewards serious study and commitment.