The following defence is known as the Falkbeer Counter-Gambit, after its author:
| WHITE. | BLACK. | ||
| 1. | P to K 4 | 1. | P to K 4 |
| 2. | P to K B 4 | 2. | P to Q 4 |
| 3. | K P takes P | ... |
Not 3. B P takes P, because of 3. ... Q to R 5: ch., which would give Black a winning game.
| ... | 3. | P to K 5 |
Black gives up a pawn for the attack, and a spirited game. It would be disadvantageous for Black to play 3. ... Q takes P, because White would then develop his pieces quicker, which it is the object of Black's counter-gambit to prevent.
| 4. | B to Kt 5: ch. | 4. | P to B 3 |
Both White's and Black's moves are the best available.
| 5. | P takes P | 5. | P takes P |
Black takes with the pawn in order to maintain the attack, for which he gave up a pawn.