There are two openings named after Josef Emil Krejcik (1885-1957), an Austrian chess master, problemist, journalist and author. The first one, a Dutch Defense variation 1. d4 f5 2. g4, might be explored in one of the future articles. I would like to focus on the second gambit, a daring and sharp response to the Alekhine’s Defense: 1. e4 ♞f6 2. ♗c4 ♞xe4 3. ♗xf7+ ♚xf7 4. ♕h5+
Yes, White sacrifices the whole bishop! This is quite unusual, as a typical gambit is frequently based on a pawn sacrifice, and the attacking player often retakes the pawn later. This gambit aims to disrupt Black’s development and take advantage of the fact that Black’s king is now outside the base rank, hence exposed to further attacks. White hopes to develop their pieces quickly and launch an attack on Black’s king, which is now vulnerable.
The Krejcik Gambit is a highly aggressive opening that can catch Black off guard, especially if they are not familiar with the line. It requires precise calculation and strategic planning from both sides, making it a highly exciting and challenging variation to play.
How can White proceed to lead the gambit to a positive outcome? I will analyze three different Black’s responses in three real games.
Forked
While the Krejcik Gambit may seem like a dangerous opening for White, it can be highly effective if Black is not careful. However, it is not a recommended opening for players who are new to chess or are not comfortable sacrificing material for positional advantages.
Wandering king
Trident mate
The Krejcik Gambit is an exciting and aggressive variation in the Alekhine’s Defense chess opening. It can be a powerful weapon in the hands of experienced players who are comfortable sacrificing material for positional advantages. However, it is not recommended for new players or those who are not comfortable with the risks involved. As with any opening, it is important to study and understand the variations thoroughly before playing it in a game.