Chessy
Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Fritz Attack as White
The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Fritz Attack gives White an aggressive start, but the position after 1.d4 d5 2.e4 dxe4 3.Bc4 is already one where Black is better. That makes this drill especially useful: you are not memorising a fantasy attack, you are learning how to handle a demanding opening choice in a real game. Focus on active piece play, quick development, and understanding what Black is trying to do next.
Play the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Fritz Attack against the engine
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Play the drill and test your reactions in this position. Create a free account and practise until the ideas feel natural.
Create a free account →What the position tells you
Stockfish rates this -0.86, a clear, lasting advantage in your opponent's favour. You are worse here, so the lesson is not to hope for instant tactics, but to keep playing with energy and avoid drifting into a passive game. In openings like this, every tempo matters because Black is already comfortable and can punish slow piece placement.
Black’s most reliable reply
The engine’s best move here is Nc6, and it continues with Nc6 Ne2 f5 Nbc3. That tells you a lot about the shape of the position: Black wants to keep control, build support, and meet your initiative with solid development. Against that kind of reaction, you need to stay alert to piece activity and avoid making the game easier for Black than it already is.
What the database says
This exact position has been reached in 257,332 games on Lichess, so the position is not a curiosity. The results are also honest for White: White wins 44.2%, draws 3.4%, and Black wins 52.4%. That is a strong warning that Black is scoring well here, and it is a good reason to use the drill to practise the position instead of relying on the name of the gambit.
The most common choices to meet
If Black chooses Nf6, that is the most played continuation with 107,539 games, and White scores 43.2%. The next most common replies are e6 with 44,081 games and White scoring 45.5%, Nc6 with 38,381 games and White scoring 40.9%, Bf5 with 21,804 games and White scoring 43.5%, e5 with 11,563 games and White scoring 47.0%, and f5 with 8,951 games and White scoring 49.3%. These numbers show that you need a practical, repeatable approach rather than a single trick.
A known mistake to punish
One known mistake in this position is f5, which is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.7 pawns; better was Nc6. If your opponent plays f5, do not rush. Keep your pieces active, stay focused on development, and make the inaccuracy count by maintaining pressure instead of getting distracted by tactics that do not work.
Results across 257,332 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nf6 | 107,539 | 43.2% |
| e6 | 44,081 | 45.5% |
| Nc6 | 38,381 | 40.9% |
| Bf5 | 21,804 | 43.5% |
| e5 | 11,563 | 47.0% |
| f5 | 8,951 | 49.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Fritz Attack good for White?
In this exact position, the numbers do not support White. Stockfish rates it -0.86, a clear, lasting advantage in your opponent's favour, and the results also favour Black.
What is the main move Black should play here?
The engine’s best move is Nc6. It continues with Nc6 Ne2 f5 Nbc3, which shows Black aiming for solid development and control rather than accepting chaos.
Which reply happens most often against this setup?
Nf6 is the most played continuation, with 107,539 games. It is the most important practical reply to know when you reach this position as White.
What should I watch for if Black plays f5?
f5 is a known mistake here and loses about 0.7 pawns; better was Nc6. If you see it, stay active and use the extra time to develop your pieces and keep pressure on Black.
How many games feature the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Fritz Attack?
Over 257K Lichess games have reached the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit: Fritz Attack position. White wins 44.2%, Black wins 52.4%, with 3.4% draws — based on real rated games.