In this chapter we have summarised four openings that lead to different types of position and have different emphases. But they have one thing in common: White avoids the main variations in order to achieve a certain type of position. The degree of risk that White takes also differs.
The risk is particularly high in the Danish Gambit. Because, as the engines have now shown us, the gambit is incorrect and Black gains the advantage if Black defends well. But the club player in particular can hope with a good chance of success that Black will not solve all the problems that they are served. The Danish Gambit is suitable for players at a good club level, provided they have a certain "gambler's mentality". In chess terms, you need to be able to calculate well and find your way through tactically confusing positions.
The risk that White takes with the Ponziani opening is considerably lower. On the other hand, the return is not quite as high. There will rarely be a clear start-to-finish victory, even if Black does not know and understand the opening at all, because White still has to outplay their opponent and convert the advantages.
The bishop game is of a slightly different calibre. The bishop move often only serves the purpose of bypassing certain black defence systems, especially the Russian. The risk is that Black is usually prevented from achieving the desired positions by 2...c6.
The Centre Game, as already explained, is not really a gambit at all. White merely sacrifices a few queenside moves. This is why Black is often able to equalise the game - objectively speaking. But if White has familiarised themselves with the type of position of the Middle Gambit, then they have excellent prospects of playing a successful game.
The three openings mentioned also have in common that they can be used sensibly at a good player level and that the player who uses such gambits does not have to expect to lose with practically no fight just because the opponent knows the opening.
Do you have an "appetite for more"? Would you like to learn this opening? Here you will find specialised opening training courses on the Bishop's Game, the Centre Game, the Danish Gambit and the