Icelandic Gambit

The Icelandic Gambit is a very aggressive opening from black in the Scandinavian Defense. Black gives up a pawn in material for a big lead in development. White spends the game looking for a way to defend his king while black looks to employ many traps and swarm his opponent.

[@ForumArcade]

I really like how he manages to make every opening seem invincible.

[@TristianTee]

I don't. He fails to discuss the flaws with each opening. For example, he didn't go over a single line where the opponent attempts to castle asap. Why not? White gets safe and sure, maybe you got the pawn back and it becomes an even game, but it sure isn't amazing. I would love it if he looked at ways the opening can be countered and things to be careful of, instead of just hyping it up.

[@cxuntrycodingcubesminecraf7243]

@@TristianTee why would he show an even game 💀

[@cowkim]

@@cxuntrycodingcubesminecraf7243 so you can understand the plans when they wont fall for a trap

[@chesswebsite]

If you are playing in real life you must immediately say GG and then start fist pumping.

[@AlbertTam25]

Icelandic. Scandinavian. Makes sense!

[@yidingyang2807]

I love this gambit, I use this as black for most of my games and I've been really successful.

[@ChesscomGames]

I'm trying to convince Kevin to send me one of his games to analyze, would you guys like to see that?

[@zachinmynutsacks]

no

[@brain5531]

Yep

[@arnodecorte2148]

Yes

[@hp8097]

Yes

[@stephieboi2466]

Yes

[@chesswebsite]

I do some editing but it still takes about 2.5 hours for me to do a 17 minute video. I gotta make sure I put out the best vids ever :)

[@brain5531]

thechesswebsite thanks Kevin your vids are the best vids ever :)

[@ziasun11]

Nothing like a chess lesson at 2AM in the morning

[@Gilsworth]

As an Icelander I really am excited and surprised to see that there's an Icelandic gambit. Thank you for uploading this video, I don't regret subscribing! :D

[@idoabitoftrolling2172]

Same lmao

[@ChilyAnt]

"A cool video." I see what you did there.

[@bharadwajch2960]

Damn. This Icelandic gambit is lit af. I'm using this every time I get black and most of the players are resigning after I trap their queen. Good for me most of the players around 900-1100 rating don't know this gambit. Thanks for this helpful video

[@MrBanko8]

Kevin, you have no idea how much you have helped me improve my chess game. I just started playing more recently and i have seen almost all of your videos. I just want to tell you that you have been a great part in helping me become a better player. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!! Keep up the great videos! :)

[@zackarywilliamson6861]

Im just getting back into Chess after 20yr hiatus.Thank you for all your videos.Nice service for newbies & oldies like me.Ive been studying Sicilian Dragron intensively.Icelandic is an interesting and seemingly effective alternative.

[@brain5531]

zackary williamson oldies that is good at chess is at least advances

[@eslynbeck9197]

Absolutely love this gambit, people look at me like I'm weird when I give up the material but it soon turns to fear.

[@joshiraviraj1]

Hi Kevin, your videos helped me alot to learn openings, traps and so much. Thanks alot.

[@wiselonewolfkol512]

oh man been trying it and this "gambit" is FREAKIN AWESOME!development and traps are insane after about 10 games.but man PLEASE do a video with portugese gambit cant find it anywhere!

[@themaskeagle7379]

it is called as Portuguese variation also

[@johnvuillemot4805]

@@themaskeagle7379 erm, that's not true exactly. The Gambit is after 3c4 the variation is after 3e4

[@pranaynatvarlal]

He just did it today

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

I played this Gambit 11-times today, and it is working excellently. This video is wonderfully clear and inspired. Thank you for your work on this. By the by, I too feel as those who praise you for the Quality of your videos.

[@shivy5013]

It has been 10 years now. How are you? You still alive?

[@GoobGamer63]

this is by far your best video, IMO. you cover so many different lines in this one as opposed to your other videos

[@PixelSlayer247]

Subscribed! I love your videos, this is all really helpful, and you do such a good job of commentating in a way that's accessable to casual/serious players who want to improve their game and learn some of these tough plays. Thank you so much for the work that goes into these!

[@Tommy-rn1ij]

Excellent video, as always. Thanks a lot Kevin, much appreciated my good man.

[@Jbbossuet]

I like this videos with much ideas in a few time! Thanks a lot!

[@Nola213]

pretty agressive stuff. Easy to remeber as it's mostly just take,take,take. I like it. Giving up pawns for lead in developement is good imo. Especially in rapid time games most people play online, so this is a solid gambit imo. Nice video, look forward to the next. Your "openings" videos is a fantastic resource.

[@franng1993]

Hi Kevin, really interesting opening and I would like to see more variations of it. Another amazing video, thanks!!

[@MrAsianPersuasion824]

My favorite gambit so far!

[@chesswebsite]

Thanks for the kind words and glad to hear the vids are helping :)

[@shehrlock5780]

They really are. I improved much from the opening series.

[@ericmiller7751]

Thank Kevin. love this defense because it stops the fried liver attack at the front door. I was getting bored with online chess because too many people play the fried liver.

[@softwarelivre2389]

Fried liver comes from the italian game. You can just play the sicilian or the scandinavian and be good to go.

[@hasimsabanagic8433]

Thanks for posting this video Kevin :-). Can't wait to see the Portuguese Gambit.

[@minerfreakpvp6954]

I just won 3 games with this gambit thank you so much!

[@RSPwns]

Loved the video. I'm an avid Scandinavian player and I love playing the Nf6 variations. I've actually been on a break and have been playing the Alekhine, but I think I'm going to play some Scandi games later! And a video on the Portuguese gambit would be pretty awesome :)

[@koenpalstermans9180]

great video. Thanks you thaught me a lot. greetings from Belgiium

[@g57yg]

Always love to see thechesswesite in my subscription feed with a new vid

[@yanrivers]

Thanks for this excellent Scandinavian defense vs. the e4 opening, Kevin. I noticed on black bringing the dark square bishop to b4, that white can bring his/her queen to a4 for checking the black king, and then capturing that b4 bishop. I appreciate your chess opening video lessons. Keep up the great work!

[@bigpapamanman1550]

Nc6 keeps the game going

[@cybilo8]

kevin ....thanks mate ...i'd played the gambit 'n it worked quite well for me ...thanx again

[@esflores5249]

I like this gambit. I don’t like playing defensively closed positions so this is perfect for me instead of playing Najdorf all the time.

[@HouseofJello]

Love your channel!

[@kandy1249]

It's tooooooo great. One of my fav. Gambits now. It easily initiates queen exchange. If your opponent is good with strategies involving queen then u can always go for queen exchange.

[@RenoSydney]

hahahaha "You're immediately... High-fiving somebody" xD

[@POGOTEL]

Kevin, as usual, a great video! I am especially happy that you developed the Scandinavian Defense 1.e4-d5, 2.exd5 - Nf6 with the Icelandic line 3.c4. Please Portuguese line 3.d4 yet!!!

[@s199805723]

Can you do the video on the other variation please? Also this was a very informative video and thanks for your time in making these videos.

[@hobowerdo]

I want the continuation of this video please! It's great!

[@xTheMadScientist]

Great videos Kevin, keep 'em up ;)

[@TheoGarza]

Hey Kevin please make another video on the other openings please! I really enjoy your vids and love your lessons!! :) keep it up -Theo

[@SatenSheets]

I really enjoy these vids, they are old, but thanks.

[@chesswebsite]

Glad you like them! I really enjoy the Icelandic Gambit.

[@SatenSheets]

I really like the icelandic gambit, haven't had anyone fall for it yet though. ,but I've been trying out a variation for Nc3 for white castle, and I pressure the castle with Na6.

[@nephilist]

Everytime I hear 'you're going to have a good game' all I can think of is the skiing instructor in south park saying 'you're going to have a good time' :D Another excellent video, definitely the best chess videos on yt.

[@Smoochy44]

Another excellent video from The Chess Website.

[@86olkkonen]

is there a name for the c6 gambit, or some videos to give ideas how to best utilize both early knights

[@minerfreakpvp6954]

Thank you and this gambit taught me that material doesn't matter only attack and defense matters

[@christiandean7934]

No, material matters. The less you have, the less you can do.

[@OregonMikeH]

YES Please port.gambit as a full Picture of complete study of the Icelandic. Cake & Ice Cream, as it would be incomplete without it! Thank You Kevin Most Appreciated, I'll be watching for it with the rest of Your audience, HA, You left us with a Cliff Hanger. All the Best, .. Mike.

[@chesswebsite]

Haha thanks Mike.

[@hunterazaola]

I like this gambit! Thank bro.

[@koolltrini4]

Please make another video that covers more of this example its very informative.

[@tylerallen8898]

Having a lot of success with this opening. Could you please cover some more lines?

[@davideverling753]

What should you do if at the beginning instead of playing pawn to c4 white plays bishop to b5?

[@westwoods01]

i tried this out nothing like you said they always go queen to E2 and then i have know clue what to do

[@RxZ95sssPG]

Great Video! I would also like to see the Portuguese Gambit, since I'll start playing this line now =D

[@LAMF2012]

I love this opening please put more videos on this opening

[@satyachintala8039]

At around 3:15 he says black has more material but all white has to do is Bb2, after the knight moves the bishop takes the pawn

[@rafaelrojas7249]

Very good, thanks.

[@Detherocable]

What is the most plausible response to Qa4+ at 1:52? That, followed by Nc6, d5. What happens then?

[@matiasblakev]

+Detherocable 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. dxe6Bxe6 5. d4 Bb4+ 6. Nc3? Ne47. Qa4+ Nc6 8. d5?? The game is lost after this; black is getting a rook for a piece after 8... Nxc3 9. bxc3 White has to give up the rook to save its queen ( 9. Qc2??Loses to 9... Nd4 10. Qd3 Ne4+11. Bd2 Bxd2+ 12. Kd1 Nxf2+ ) (9. Qb3?? Has the same result, after 9... Nd4 The queen is trapped 10. Qxb4 Only move. And 10... Nc2+ ) 9... Bxc3+ 10. Bd2Bxa1 11. dxc6 b6 And black is winning.

[@WowlxX]

Nice video! Would definitely like to see the Portuguese Gambit

[@mattm1982]

Awesome video... thanks!

[@narrita251]

Hi, Kevin, what about if he plays 3.Nc3 instead of c4?. I´ve tried this gambit but always I fall in worse positions. What do you sugest me in this case? Thanks, I like your work.

[@andyyuen2881]

This is amazing!!

[@ShawnGrayV]

Nice video! Good job! I just have one question though - After 1.E4 D5 2.ExD5 NF6 3.C4 E6 4.DxE6 BxE6 what's wrong with B3 with the idea of holding the C4 pawn and securing the D5 square followed by something like BC1-B2 and NB1-C3 to keep up with development and then develop the kingside and castling kingside and only then deciding what to do with the D pawn?

[@JayCee235]

My only problem with this opening is white checking me with his bishop on the second turn. I'm not sure how to deal with it. Should I just block it with Kc6 or Kd7?

[@TheTinnin]

At 4:11 can't the bishop move to g4? then the only way for black white to defend is moving his bishop to e2 or his queen to e2? isn't that a good move?

[@susankielty3388]

My very same question! I think Black has to sacrifice the b pawn and maybe more for an attack, but it's not that clear.

[@bpbrother]

"High five your monitor" XD

[@gregoryrowlerson8457]

I loved this also!

[@lukewilson2278]

I have watched so many of your videos on gambits because it suits my play style but I am not sure which one suits me best. I usually use the London system or the sicillian defense but mainly the common queens gambit. Is there a better opening which you would recommend using?

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

This is beautiful. I played a variation on this yesterday and I just destroyed him. I am really curious as to whether there's some Fischer-like refutation that Black can get hurt badly on - Does anyone know of any such thing? Thanks.

[@superluwang3768]

if the white queen moves from d1 to a4, black king is in check and then white queen can capture black bishop on b4 how can you avoid

[@jimforemann8581]

love it kevin. thx

[@TheKhooger]

PLEASE DO MORE VIDEOS ABOUT SCANDINAVIAN :) I am a scandinavian defense player

[@JOEMAMA5905]

What happens if after the black knight comes to f6 white moves his bishop to B4 and puts black in check?

[@draganaivankovic345]

Love this opening please make one more video about it

[@newenglandsun4394]

actually...recall, it would be better for knight to make the fork if the queen is still on e2 as it is being pinned by the queen on e7

[@Brandon-pf7oq]

I enjoy playing the Scotch Gambit because of the traps and up tempo offense. Saying that, what is a better defense to e4 for me, Icelandic Gambit or Caro-Kann?

[@doce.9755]

Brandon Zhang Play what suits you. I play the scandi more especially the modern scandinavian but you wont always get to the icelandic gambit with it, for example if he plays Nc3 instead of c4 then play the geschev gambit with the move c6

[@frest123]

Makes sense. I realised that attacking the Queen will continue the pressure and force moves for White so it still keeps to the style of game the way it should be. Also, what if the opponent throws in another check? Would it be safe to play c6 and use the exchange for development?

[@jorjor5379]

kevin i want to play agressive like this but im just a beginner, i know the basics but should i be trying to play more passive to learn more?

[@RemySlays]

what do i do at 1:11 if he does knight to c3

[@andrewx7806]

What if white responds with Bishop to c4 instead of the pawn to c4?

[@CaptTerrific]

I just LOVE aggressive play from black :D

[@itz_emily8344]

hi 👋 kevin! i luv ur vids a lot! u were like “what the heck is happening? what should i do”?

[@salvadorklarwein1410]

what if white moves e3 instead of e4?

[@fahmyatya9112]

can you make a video for the Portuguese line

[@beoteo7523]

Fahmy Atya g

[@AmsterdamRevolution]

that goes for me too! Thanks Kevin!

[@tosunyanandre]

But wait what if im playing in real life? Do i high five my opponent?

[@Mateo-kl2nn]

Andre tosunyan you high five the guy on the board next to you

[@geographymathmaster]

Could you make a video where the bishop comes down to check for white's 3rd move??

[@frest123]

Hey Kevin, what would one do if the someone played this on me while I was playing black. 1. e4 d5 2. exd4 Nf6 3. Bb5+ It's my turn to move and what would be the best reply?

[@19900621ed]

Hi. Just wondering how you'll go about countering 1. e4 d5, 2. exd5 Nf6, 3. c4 e6, 4. dxe6 Bxe6, 5. Qb3. I wanted to try the Icelandic Gambit in the past, but that turned me off. Granted, I'm nowhere near the level where I should be studying openings seriously, but I'm still curious.

[@pelefthe]

What is a good response from white? And yes, if you can post the continuation of the Portuguese line, we would appreciate it!

[@brain5531]

Wow I like openings like that

[@CADETINATORT1000]

Can we see another video???

[@tosunyanandre]

Hehe thats pretty smart.Thanks for replying man i love all your videos and the stuff you say during the explanation is simply wonderful,i wish you good luck in...well everything :).

[@kjellkaareisaksen]

after bishop come too b4, can white go to a5 and chess on black king?

[@KING20126]

you do make the best vids ever btw lol

[@louielouieuk]

What if black plays 3. Bc4? anyone recommended a response?

[@vinzanity68]

Have u done Portuguese line? :)

[@hamishmishra]

If you respond initially with knight to f6, the main combat for white to develop is bishop to C4?

[@brain5531]

when in the video?

[@tomblake4404]

cool opening. lot´s of fun!

[@coosoorlog]

"Putting a lot of pressure"

[@bobradford2637]

I am having stunning results with the Icelandic gambit. Definately recommend it