Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...e5/2. dxe5/2...d6

Black argues that by play 2...d6 and gambiting the pawn, they will have enough compensation because of their earlier kingside development and open centre. However, if White plays carefully, they will be ahead throughout the game because of their central pawn on e2. This doesn't mean, though, that Black shouldn't play this gambit. If White isn't careful, Black can gain an extraordinary kingside attack because of Black's extra tempo in development.

Black hopes to play a systematic move order ...Nf6, ...Nc6, ...Bg4, ...Qe7, ...O-O-O, and ...Rhe8. These moves maximize the potential of each piece in this gambit. If White isn't careful, Black can have chances for a Greek gift sacrifice. ...O-O can also be played at any time, especially in early Bg5 lines.^[1]

The first recorded case of the Blackburne-Hartlaub gambit being played was in the early 1890's by Henry Charlick. Charlick's idea was to meet 2. dxe5 with the gambit 2...d6 "with the object of preventing White from playing a close game.^[2] In 1998, Claude F. Bloodgood published the book Blackburne-Hartlaub Gambit. Within it, Bloodgood presents opening theory for the Blackburne-Hartlaub gambit he compiled throughout his prison sentence. It is one of the main openings he used to become the second-highest rated US Chess player in history by 1997.^[3]