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.
Coming soon to Amazon, Bookshop, and Apple Books
Pre-orders available soon
About the book
The Chess Zendō Guide to The Rousseau Gambit covers 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, the myths and folklore that surround the opening, and overturns decades of misreported chess reference biography.
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 confirms that White can hold an edge if played precisely and perfectly, and this book will help you prepare.
Are there any free excerpts or 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 our 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.
