Center Game: Halasz-McDonnell Gambit

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C21), reached after 5 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. f4.

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3…Bc5 1 line
- C21 Crocodile Variation

About this opening

Center Game: Halasz-McDonnell Gambit is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C21. ECO group C (C00–C99) covers open games (1.e4 e5) and the French Defence, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Scotch and King's Gambit. This particular variation is reached after 5 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. f4.

It belongs to the Center Game family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Halasz-McDonnell Gambit line).

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.d4 exd4, 3.f4. From this position exactly one named continuation is recorded in the encyclopaedia.