Removing the Defender

The Schliemann (Jaenisch) Gambit

The Schliemann or Jaenisch Gambit is one of Black's most aggressive responses to the Ruy Lopez. In this series, GM Melikset Khachiyan (Melik) provides you with all of the essential theory, concepts, and examples you need to master this opening.

Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Dealing with Prep
Part 3: Bonus Review
Part 4: vs GM Chirila
Part 5: Chucky's Example
Part 6: New White Weapon
Part 7: Final Review
Part 8: My Schliemann Gambit
Part 9: Back to the Schliemann

Neglecting Development of your Pieces

In the opening, bring your Pieces out quickly for Center control. The Pieces must be developed quickly without wasting time by making unnecessary pawn moves.

Sample Game 1
Opening: Giuoco Piano
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 f6?
Correct move is ....Bc5 or ....Nf6
4. Nh4 g5??
5. Qh5+ Ke7
6. Nf5#
1-0
Black made 2 unnecessary pawn moves and did not develop pieces properly

Sample Game 2
Opening: Ruy Lopez
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 Nf6
4. 0-0 Nxe4
5. d4 Nd6
6. Bxc6 bxc6
7. dxe5 Nb7
8. Nd4 Be7
9. Nf5 Bf8?
10. Re1 g6?
11. Nd6+! Bxd6
if 11....exd6 12.exd6+ Be7 13.Rxe7+ wins
if 11....Ke7 12.Bg5+ Ke6 13.Qg4+ wins
12. exd6+ Kf8
13. Bh6+ Kg8
14. Qd4 f6
15. Qc4#
1-0
Black wasted time by moving the same pieces again and again

Sample Game 3
Opening: Kings Gambit Declined
1. e4 e5
2. Nc3 Nc6
3. f4 Bc5
4. Nf3 d6
5. f5? 
Better is 5.Bc4
5. .... Nf6
6. h3? d5!
Black opens up the center for a strong attack
7. Nxe5? Nxe4! threatening Qh4+
8. Nf3 Qh4+!!
9. Nxh4 Bf2+
10. Ke2 Nd4+
11. Kd3 Nc5#
0-1

White wasted time moving unnecessary pawns