Horwitz Defense: Zilbermints Gambit
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Statistics from Lichess
5,555 games: White 60.2% / Draw 3.4% / Black 36.4%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 2,6562,656 | ||
| 1,4221,422 | ||
| 801801 | ||
| 354354 | ||
| 235235 | ||
| 3636 | ||
| 1818 | ||
| 1515 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 29, 2026
Engine evaluation
+1.52 White is clearly better
Best play: 3. dxe5 Nc6 4. Nf3 Nge7 5. Nc3 Ng6 6. Qc2 Be7 7. e4 b6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Horwitz Defense: Zilbermints Gambit (ECO A40, Flank Openings) is a gambit in the Horwitz Defense, reached after 1. d4 e6 2. c4 e5 (2 moves).
In 5,555 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 60.2%, Black 36.4% and 3.4% were drawn. White's most played move here is 3. dxe5, in 48% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Horwitz Defense: Zilbermints Gambit
The most played answer, 3. dxe5, also scores best for White: 64.6%, with White winning 62.9% and Black 33.7% of 2,656 games. Of the main answers, 3. d5 scores lowest: 57.8%. Stockfish's first choice is also 3. dxe5.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Horwitz Defense: Zilbermints Gambit (A40)”. Lichess data as of 29 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/horwitz-defense-zilbermints-gambit