So, you want maximum attacking chances with White in the Italian opening? If you enjoy an unbalanced game and some uncommon pawn structures then the Max Attack is your go-to repertoire!
The Max Lange Gambit (also called the Max Lange Attack) is a fighting variation in the Italian Game after 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. O-O Nf6 and starts with the surprising 5. d4!?
A gambit that's not quite a gambit?
Technically, the Max Lange Gambit is not a pure gambit and is also often called Max Lange Attack. The reason is that we regain our sacrificed pawn quite quickly in the majority of cases.
Why should you play this opening?
🔥It's a great surprise weapon.
🔥It's scores well in practice with a >60% win rate for White (source: Opening Encyclopedia 2018)
🔥There is no risk of getting a bad position out of the opening even though we sacrifice a pawn.
🔥It is completely sound, even by modern-day engine standards. If Black knows the theory well he will be able to equalize theoretically but you will still have a good position and a plan to continue the game.
🔥There will be many fast wins. Your opponents have to be well prepared to bring themselves safely out of the labyrinth of tactics.
🔥This opening will improve your tactical understanding.
🔥Great for blitz. I've won many fine games with it in faster time controls. Many of my opponents are not familiar enough with the complications to play it correctly with little time on the clock.
Competition ready
Even though I'm an untitled player of 2200 playing strength I guarantee the repertoire is completely competition ready. The material presented by me has been well researched and includes a lot of GM-input. In fact, I analysed them so well with resources which are stronger than most of us that I play them confidently against strong titled players.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
Sebastian Hoffmann.
