The von Hennig Gambit (1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Bc4) is a bit of a hidden gem against the Caro-Kann Defense. The Caro-Kann is one of the best responses by Black against 1. e4 so having a weapon against it is important. The von Hennig Gambit is only played in around 1% of Caro-Kann games meaning that most Caro-Kann players will not be very familiar with it. On the Lichess community database, it is one of the most winning responses against the Caro-Kann and impressively, seems to be good not only at the beginner-intermediate level, but also advanced levels at blitz and rapid. Although I’ve not faced against the Caro-Kann that often, I’ve won almost 80% of my games using the von Hennig Gambit!

In game 1, I managed to pull off the famous 8-move checkmate with the von Hennig Gambit that features the “oh no my queen!” trap! The impressive thing with this trap is that the penultimate move (7. Ne5) where we ostensibly hang our queen isn’t a bad move even when Black spots the trap and avoids it! Most traps of this nature are a bit of a gamble, but not this one! There is the more “sensible” move (7. Bxf7+) but at high depth Stockfish rates the two moves as almost the same, and on the Lichess community database, the “on no my queen” move has a slightly high win ratio! Given the fun nature of “oh no my queen” traps and the possibility of an immediate win, I will always recommend this over Bxf7+ in this context!

Game 2 demonstrates that von Hennig Gambit isn’t only good for the trap line. On move 6, Black responds with (6… e6) which blocks access to the f7 square along the light square diagonal, and thus, prevents the trap. However, in doing so, Black cramps their development and Stockfish rates the position as [0.00]. As I’m down a pawn, this means that my POSITION is substantially better. At the end of move 8, we’ve both castled kingside and Stockfish now gives an evaluation of [+1.2]! The difference is our respective development and the capacity that I have in launching a quick attack on Black’s king. My lost pawns have been converted into semi-open e- and f-files – a pathway for my pieces to attack!

By move 12, I have SIX pieces positioned to attack Black’s king – the queen, a rook, and both bishops and knights. Against this overwhelming force, Black had little ability to sustain the onslaught even when I didn’t play the most accurately. The queen infiltrates, and after some pieces are traded, Black’s king is trapped on the kingside, blocked in by his own pawns. Stockfish sees complex long mating lines that I can’t see, M12, M17, but I did know in game that I was completely winning. On move 20, Black makes a desperate attempt to trade queens (Qe7) but in doing so literally seals their king’s final escape square as (21. Qh8#) became possible the next turn. GG!

Game 1: https://www.chess.com/game/live/80185786341
Game 2: https://www.chess.com/game/live/80013621101

[Event "Live Chess"][Site "Chess.com"][Date "2023.06.11"][Round "-"][White "vitualis"][Black "Lawrencelmaooo"][Result "1-0"][Timezone "UTC"][ECO "B15"][ECOUrl "https://www.chess.com/openings/Caro-Kann-Defense-von-Hennig-Gambit"][UTCDate "2023.06.11"][UTCTime "01:24:57"][WhiteElo "1410"][BlackElo "1361"][TimeControl "900+10"][Termination "vitualis won by checkmate"][StartTime "01:24:57"][EndDate "2023.06.11"][EndTime "01:27:41"][Link "https://www.chess.com/game/live/80185786341"][WhiteUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.82046355.50x50o.c8c8e6b7296c.jpg"][WhiteCountry "17"][WhiteTitle ""][BlackUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/199457757.fda09403.50x50o.ddb240426942.jpg"][BlackCountry "111"][BlackTitle ""]
{The famous 8-move \"oh no my queen $1\" trap line in the von Hennig Gambitagainst the Caro-Kann Defense} 1. e4 {[%clk 0:15:09.9]} 1... c6 {[%clk0:15:08.6]} 2. d4 {[%clk 0:15:15.1]} 2... d5 {[%clk 0:15:17.5]} 3. Nc3 {[%clk0:15:24]} 3... dxe4 {[%clk 0:15:26.1]} 4. Bc4 $5 {[%clk 0:15:31.7][%c_effectc4;square;c4;type;Interesting;persistent;true][%c_arrowc3e4;keyPressed;none;from;c3;opacity;0.8;to;e4;persistent;false][%c_highlighte4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e4;persistent;false] Caro-Kann Defense:von Hennig Gambit $1 Stockfish evaluates that this is a mistake [+0.4 $37 -0.6] andthis is bourne out in masters level games. However, at beginner, intermediate,and more advanced level online games of blitz and rapid, this gambit has one ofthe best win ratios against the Caro-Kann $1} 4... Nf6 {[%clk 0:15:36]} 5. f3{[%clk 0:15:40.6]} 5... exf3 {[%clk 0:14:41]} 6. Nxf3 {[%clk 0:15:48] In thisposition Stockfish gives Black the advantage at [-0.8]} 6... Bg4 $4 {[%clk0:14:50.1][%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Blunder;persistent;true][%c_arrowc8f5;keyPressed;none;from;c8;opacity;0.8;to;f5;persistent;false][%c_highlightf5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f5;persistent;false] However, this naturallooking pin is a major blunder [+1.7]} 7. Ne5 $5 {[%clk 0:15:50.2][%c_highlightf7;keyPressed;alt;opacity;0.8;square;f7;persistent;false][%c_arrowc4f7;keyPressed;shift;from;c4;opacity;0.8;to;f7;persistent;false][%c_effecte5;square;e5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] The \"oh no my queen $1\" trap,this is technically the slightly less optimal line according to Stockfishevaluation, but it is the most winning variation.} ({This is the \"grown up\"and best line...} 7. Bxf7+ $3 {[%c_effectf7;square;f7;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]} 7... Kxf7 8. Ne5+ {[%c_arrowe5f7;keyPressed;none;from;e5;opacity;0.8;to;f7;persistent;false,e5g4;keyPressed;none;from;e5;opacity;0.8;to;g4;persistent;false][%c_highlightg4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;g4;persistent;false,f7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f7;persistent;false]And we win Black's bishop, Black has lost the right to castle, and we have amuch better position.}) 7... Bxd1 $4 {[%clk 0:13:53.2][%c_arrowg4e6;keyPressed;none;from;g4;opacity;0.8;to;e6;persistent;false][%c_highlighte6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e6;persistent;false][%c_effectd1;square;d1;type;Blunder;persistent;true] Black falls for the trap $1} 8. Bxf7#{[%clk 0:15:56.9][%c_effecte1;square;e1;type;Winner,e8;square;e8;type;CheckmateBlack] GG $1} 1-0
[Event "Live Chess"][Site "Chess.com"][Date "2023.06.09"][Round "-"][White "vitualis"][Black "eduardo_sciacca"][Result "1-0"][Timezone "UTC"][ECO "B15"][ECOUrl "https://www.chess.com/openings/Caro-Kann-Defense-von-Hennig-Gambit"][UTCDate "2023.06.09"][UTCTime "01:37:35"][WhiteElo "1435"][BlackElo "1464"][TimeControl "900+10"][Termination "vitualis won by checkmate"][StartTime "01:37:35"][EndDate "2023.06.09"][EndTime "01:51:51"][Link "https://www.chess.com/game/live/80013621101"][WhiteUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/3711094.82046355.50x50o.c8c8e6b7296c.jpg"][WhiteCountry "17"][WhiteTitle ""][BlackUrl "https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/user/188118087.210c6abb.50x50o.12b3cc51bca0.jpeg"][BlackCountry "4"][BlackTitle ""]
1. e4 {[%clk 0:15:09.7]} 1... c6 {[%clk 0:15:04]} 2. d4 {[%clk 0:15:17]} 2... d5{[%clk 0:15:11.6]} 3. Nc3 {[%clk 0:15:24.3]} 3... dxe4 {[%clk 0:15:19]} 4. Bc4 $5{[%clk 0:15:31.7][%c_arrowc3e4;keyPressed;none;from;c3;opacity;0.8;to;e4;persistent;false][%c_highlighte4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e4;persistent;false][%c_effectc4;square;c4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Caro-Kann Defense: von HennigGambit} 4... Nf6 {[%clk 0:15:07.3]} 5. f3 {[%clk 0:15:38.8]} 5... exf3 {[%clk0:14:58.6]} 6. Nxf3 {[%clk 0:15:47.5]} 6... e6 $6 {[%clk 0:15:07.6][%c_arrowc8f5;keyPressed;none;from;c8;opacity;0.8;to;f5;persistent;false][%c_highlightf5;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f5;persistent;false][%c_effecte6;square;e6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] An inaccuracy [0.00]. Stockfishgives an evaluation of quality, which means that my position is substantiallybetter given that I've given up a point of material $1} 7. O-O {[%clk 0:15:46.2]}7... Bd6 $6 {[%clk 0:14:59.9][%c_effectd6;square;d6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrowf8e7;keyPressed;none;from;f8;opacity;0.8;to;e7;persistent;false][%c_highlighte7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e7;persistent;false] Black ends up with asomewhat cramped position that is difficult to play. Stockfish calls this aninaccuracy [+0.4]} 8. Qe1 {[%clk 0:15:03.6]} 8... O-O $2 {[%clk0:14:56.7][%c_arrowb8d7;keyPressed;none;from;b8;opacity;0.8;to;d7;persistent;false][%c_highlightd7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d7;persistent;false][%c_effectg8;square;g8;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A natural looking move but a mistake $1Stockfish rates the position now at [+1.2], a very substantial positionaladvantage to White.} 9. Bd3 $1 {[%clk 0:15:03.1][%c_effectd3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] And now an attack is prepared - Ihave the bishop pair, the queen, rook, and a knight ready to attack Black'skingside $1} 9... Nbd7 {[%clk 0:14:46.3]} 10. Bg5 {[%clk 0:13:56.1]} 10... Qc7 $2{[%clk 0:14:45.3][%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrowh7h6;keyPressed;none;from;h7;opacity;0.8;to;h6;persistent;false][%c_highlighth6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h6;persistent;false] A mistake [+3.5]} 11.Ne4 $2 {[%clk 0:13:28.9][%c_effecte4;square;e4;type;Mistake;persistent;true][%c_arrowe1h4;keyPressed;none;from;e1;opacity;0.8;to;h4;persistent;false][%c_highlighth4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h4;persistent;false] This was apparently amistake though I'm still winning [+1.2]. Stockfish thinks that I can be moreaggressive.} 11... Be7 $2 {[%clk 0:13:51][%c_arrowf6e4;keyPressed;none;from;f6;opacity;0.8;to;e4;persistent;false][%c_highlighte4;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e4;persistent;false][%c_effecte7;square;e7;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Stockfish can see that my prospectivequeen-bishop battery can be effectively defended against by g6, so thinks thattrading the knights is the best move. This is difficult to see by humans thoughand Black retreats to shore up their defences, apparently a mistake [+5.4]} 12.Qh4 $1 {[%clk 0:12:45.2][%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}12... Re8 $6 {[%clk 0:13:11.3][%c_effecte8;square;e8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrowh7h6;keyPressed;none;from;h7;opacity;0.8;to;h6;persistent;false][%c_highlighth6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;h6;persistent;false] With six attackingpieces, Black simply has no great moves. This was an inaccuracy, but probablydoesn't make much difference [+8]} 13. Ne5 $6 {[%clk 0:12:05.8][%c_arrowe4f6;keyPressed;none;from;e4;opacity;0.8;to;f6;persistent;false][%c_highlightf6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f6;persistent;false][%c_effecte5;square;e5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Stockfish thinks that this move isoverly conservative [+4.4] and I could immediate attack} 13... Nxe5 $4 {[%clk0:12:59.7][%c_arrowf6e4;keyPressed;none;from;f6;opacity;0.8;to;e4;persistent;false][%c_effecte5;square;e5;type;Blunder;persistent;true] But my plan to remove the defender ofthe knight on f6 worked. There is now a mating net [+M12]} 14. Nxf6+ $1 {[%clk0:11:57.8][%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 14... Bxf6{[%clk 0:12:19.6]} 15. Qxh7+ {[%clk 0:11:26.2]} 15... Kf8 {[%clk 0:12:20.1]} 16.Qh8+ $6 {[%clk 0:11:07.3][%c_effecth8;square;h8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true][%c_arrowf1f6;keyPressed;none;from;f1;opacity;0.8;to;f6;persistent;false][%c_highlightf6;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;f6;persistent;false] An inaccuracy [+5.5]as the rook can't be captured by the pawn after Rxf6, or else, Bxf6 andcheckmate comes quickly.} 16... Ke7 {[%clk 0:12:27.9]} 17. Qxg7 {[%clk0:11:10.6]} 17... Ng4 {[%clk 0:12:16.7]} 18. Bxf6+ {[%clk 0:11:05.3]} 18... Nxf6{[%clk 0:12:23]} 19. Qxf6+ {[%clk 0:11:10.6]} 19... Kf8 $4 {[%clk0:12:01.3][%c_arrowe7d7;keyPressed;none;from;e7;opacity;0.8;to;d7;persistent;false][%c_highlightd7;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;d7;persistent;false][%c_effectf8;square;f8;type;Blunder;persistent;true] [+M11]} 20. Bg6 $6 {[%clk0:10:35.4][%c_arrowa1e1;keyPressed;none;from;a1;opacity;0.8;to;e1;persistent;false][%c_highlighte1;keyPressed;none;opacity;0.8;square;e1;persistent;false][%c_effectg6;square;g6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] An inaccuracy, insofar [+M10 $37+M17]} 20... Qe7 $2 {[%clk 0:12:06.3][%c_effecte7;square;e7;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Black attempts to invite a trade ofqueens, but this ends the game} 21. Qh8# {[%clk 0:10:38.5][%c_effectg1;square;g1;type;Winner,f8;square;f8;type;CheckmateBlack] GG $1} 1-0