Blackmar-Diemer Gambit Declined: Gedult Defense

About this opening

The Gedult Defense (4.f3 a6) is a waiting reply to the declined Blackmar-Diemer: with ...a6, Black prevents White's b5 sorties and keeps great flexibility before deciding on a plan. The idea is prophylactic and unobtrusive, at the cost of a slight slowing of development. It is a rare line, betting on caution and flexibility rather than immediate action.