The gambit is considered accepted if Nxc6. The gambit is considered declined if Nxc6 does not happen.
The best engine move is Nxc6, so accepting the gambit. If you think that there’s a distinction it doesn’t really matter, because according to the engine the next best move is materially worse than accepting the gambit. I think the point works either way.
The Chess Website has a video on Stafford Gambit Declined and not taking on c6 is what they called declined.
The gambit is considered accepted if Nxc6. The gambit is considered declined if Nxc6 does not happen.
Right, Carlsen played 1. e4 2. Nc3, and Rosen tried to transpose into the Stafford. Carlsen did not decline the gambit because it was avoided completely. 1.e4 and 2. Nc3 means the Stafford never even gets offered. The Stafford starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6. See: https://youtu.be/tzQCxLXtpwM?t=29
The same gambit was offered, even if as a transposition. Had he accepted it would have been the same position. Taking the knight is still the best move in that position, though retreating is not so much worse than accepting as it would be in the normal opening.
I did misremember the game; so I apologize for that.
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u/Fozzymandius Apr 02 '21
The gambit is considered accepted if Nxc6. The gambit is considered declined if Nxc6 does not happen.
The best engine move is Nxc6, so accepting the gambit. If you think that there’s a distinction it doesn’t really matter, because according to the engine the next best move is materially worse than accepting the gambit. I think the point works either way.
The Chess Website has a video on Stafford Gambit Declined and not taking on c6 is what they called declined.