We now come to consider the consequences of Black’s not accepting the gambit pawn at move 4.

WHITE. BLACK.
1.P. to K’s 4th.1.P. to K’s 4th.
2.K’s Kt. to B’s 3d.2.Q’s Kt. to B’s 3d.
3.B. to Q. B’s 4th.3.B. to Q. B’s 4th.
4.P. to Q. Kt.’s 4th.4.B. to Q. Kt.’s 3d
5.B. to Q. Kt.’s 2d.5.P. to Q’s 3d.
6.P. to Q’S 4th.
We prefer White’s game.

There is also another method of declining the Gambit, which, although hitherto unanalysed, seems to present some interesting features.

WHITE. BLACK.
1.P. to K’s 4th.1.P. to K’s 4th.
2.K’s Kt. to B’s 3d.2.Q’s Kt. to B’s 3d.
3.B. to Q. B’s 4th.3.B. to Q. B’s 4th.
4.P. to Q. Kt.’s 4th.4.P. to Q’s 4th.
5.P. takes Q’s P.5.Kt. takes Q. Kt.’s P.
6.P. to Q. B’s 3d.6.Kt. takes Q’s P.
7.Q. to Q. Kt.’s 3d.7.P. to Q. B’s 3d.
8.B. takes Kt.8.Q. takes B. (best.)
9.Q. takes Q.9.Q. takes Q.
10.Kt. takes K’s P. Even Game.

It is very possible some of White’s moves may be improved upon, but the foregoing variation seems satisfactorily to demonstrate that Black can gain no advantage.

Before taking our leave of this beautiful opening, we would again remind the young player, that it is perfectly immaterial, whether Black at move 5 captures the gambit pawn with B. or Kt., if with the latter White equally replies with P. to Q. B’s 3d; and on Black’s retiring the Kt. to Q. B’s 3d (best), the position becomes the same as given in a previous variation.

Game V.—Ruy Lopez Knight’s Game.

We will now proceed to examine this, perhaps, the strongest and most embarrassing attack the board affords. It is through fear of this variation, that many of our best players have abandoned the usual defence of 2. Q’s Kt. to B’s 3d, and turned to the King’s Knight’s defence, or the old move of P. to Q’s 3d.

WHITE. BLACK.
1.P. to K’s 4th.1.P. to K’s 4th.
2.K’s Kt. to B’s 3d.2.Q’s Kt. to B’s 3d.
3.B. to Q. Kt.’s 5th.3.K’s Kt. to B’s 3d.