The line
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 5. d3 Bc5 6. Bg5 Nxe4 7. Bxd8 Bxf2+ 8. Ke2 Bg4#
Your moves, explained
- 1... e5 A classic start.
- 2... Nf6 The Petrov setup.
- 3... Nc6 The Stafford Gambit.
- 4... dxc6 Opens lines for your bishops and queen.
- 5... Bc5 Points straight at the king.
- 6... Nxe4 Nxe4! Let White take the queen.
- 7... Bxf2+ The king must walk.
- 8... Bg4# Checkmate with two bishops and a knight.
Frequently asked questions
What are the moves of the Stafford Gambit?
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 5. d3 Bc5 6. Bg5 Nxe4 7. Bxd8 Bxf2+ 8. Ke2 Bg4#. You play Black; Give up e5, aim both bishops at the white king, and if Bg5 pins your knight, take on e4 anyway.
How do I practise the Stafford Gambit?
Watch Eric Rosen's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 8 of Black's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where Eric Rosen explains each move.
Do I need an account?
No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.
More videos to practise
- Ruy Lopez Queen Sacrifice Trap (Remote Chess Academy)
- Scotch Game Trap (Remote Chess Academy)
- Smith-Morra Gambit Trap (Remote Chess Academy)
- King's Indian Defense Trap (Remote Chess Academy)
- King's Gambit Accepted (Chess Talk)
- London System (GothamChess)
- All Watch & practice videos
The video is embedded from YouTube and belongs to Eric Rosen. Chess DNA is not affiliated with the creator. Updated Nov 10, 2026.