How to Play Against the Ware Opening: Wing Gambit

Despite White's advantage, there's real counterplay available. Black has traded a pawn to activate the dark-squared bishop on b7, which already eyes White's kingside along the long diagonal. If White isn't precise, that bishop can become a monster. Black's plan involves quick development (...Nf6, ...e6, ...Be7) and a timely ...c5 or ...d5 break to challenge the centre. The statistics from 421 games show this isn't a one-sided beating: Black wins 40.1% of the time, with draws accounting for 15.0%. White's 44.9% win rate is modest for a position the engine rates at +1.23, which tells you that practical play is full of traps and chances for both sides.

The computer's best move here is c4, continuing with ...a6 Nc3 Nf6. By striking at White's centre pawn immediately, Black prevents White from building a big pawn duo and opens lines for the b7 bishop. This is the principled response — fight for the centre rather than wasting time. The Lichess database supports this: of the 71 games where Black played c4, White scored only 49.3%, well below the engine's theoretical edge. Compare that to weaker moves and you'll see why c4 is the recommended choice. Spend some time getting comfortable with the follow-up moves in the drill.

Some continuations are far more punishing for Black than others. Here's how the most-played replies stack up by White's score (remember: lower is better for you): - c4 — White scores 49.3% - e3 — White scores 43.6% - d4 — White scores 43.8% - f3 — White scores 44.4% - Nc3 — White scores a whopping 63.9% (avoid this - develops White's knight with tempo) - b6 — White scores only 20.6% (but this is a known mistake) The b6 line looks tempting because White scores so poorly — but don't be fooled. That low White win rate comes from Black players who already have a lost position scrambling in messy play. Play c4 instead and trust the engine and the stats that show it as the soundest way to fight.

The database flags b6 as a clear mistake, costing Black roughly 1.4 pawns in evaluation. It might seem natural to kick the pawn or prepare ...Bb7, but the problem is simple: after b6, White plays c4 (the same move Black should have played) and gains a huge centre while Black's bishop on b7 looks silly. The engine says the better move was c4, so treat b6 as a trap you want no part of. In the drill, if you ever feel tempted to push b6, stop and ask yourself whether c4 does the same job — it almost certainly does. Stick to the main line and you'll give yourself the best chance.