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The Chess Zendō Guide to The Rousseau Gambit

The authoritative book on the Rousseau Gambit, a chess opening with an audacious pawn sacrifice for Black: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 f5.

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Pre-orders available soon

About the book

The Chess Zendō Guide to The Rousseau Gambit covers the foundations and principles of the Rousseau Gambit, explores every line, trap, and tactic, and is an excellent guide to the critical moves for both Black and for White.

Along the way, The Rousseau Gambit tells the story of Eugène Rousseau himself, explores the myths and folklore surrounding the opening, and overturns decades of misreporting in other references about Rousseau and the gambit.

Backed by engine analysis and two independent game databases, The Rousseau Gambit includes an extended reference list, two annotated Morphy games, and training exercises to bring the ideas back to the board. The online companion to the book is available for free here at Chess Zendō.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Rousseau Gambit

What is The Rousseau Gambit about?

This book goes deep into The Rousseau Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 f5) and its history, theory, tactics and strategies, White’s best replies, transpositions into other openings, and a sourced biography of the opening’s creator, Eugène Rousseau.

Eugène Rousseau created the gambit and Paul Morphy made it famous in his first ever published game, and The Chess Zendō Guide to The Rousseau Gambit is an homage to Rousseau, Morphy, and the Romantic Era of chess from which this opening was born.

Who is The Rousseau Gambit for?

This book is for club, online, and casual players with the Black pieces who want a surprise weapon in the Italian Game against 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4.

This book also gives the reader White’s best replies to the gambit and is a helpful guidebook for all players who want to improve and build their tactical skills.

Modern analysis has confirmed that White can hold an edge against the Roussea Gambit by playing precisely and perfectly, and this book will help you prepare — as either White or Black.

Are there any excerpts or free chapters?

Excerpts and free chapters are not available, but Chess Zendō has all the games, positions, and exercises in the online companion to the book.

Media inquiries and requests for review copies can be submitted via the Contact form.

Requests are reviewed in a timely manner, but please keep in mind that Chess Zendō cannot fulfill all requests or send review copies to individuals.

When will The Rousseau Gambit be published?

Sign up to the email newsletter to hear when the book is published, how to get a signed copy, where to attend book signings, and more.

Have a question?

Contact me, check out my Frequently Asked Questions, or meet up with me in person at the McMinnville Chess Club.

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The Chess Zendō Guide to The Rousseau Gambit

Coming soon: the authoritative book on the Rousseau Gambit, a daring and underrated opening for Black that’s the perfect surprise weapon to catch White off guard.

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