Is there a refutation of the Muzio gambit? Is there a 'refutation', i.e. a defense for black that leads to a guaranteed advantage assuming perfect play, against the Muzio gambit?



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1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.Bc4 g4 5.O-O gxf3 6.Qxf3
First of all, I should point out that it's actually simplest to avoid the Muzio altogether with Black; i.e. meeting 1 e4 e5 2 f4 exf4 3 Nf3 g5 4 Bc4 with 4...Bg7 (the Hanstein Variation) or 4...Nc6! (transposing to a line of the Bishop's Gambit which is probably favourable for Black.

But that doesn't really answer your question, does it? :)

After 1 e4 e5 2 f4 exf4 3 Nf3 g5 4 Bc4?! g4!? 5 0-0 gf 6 Qxf3 Qf6! 7 e5!, Black almost always plays 7...Qxe5, which has been analyzed for centuries, and the verdict is still unclear. However, in his recent book, John Shaw puts forth the view (supporting by the strongest engines) that 7...Qf5! leaves White with doubtful compensation for the piece.

Conclusion : 4...Nc6! and 4...Bg7 give Black good prospects to play for an edge in a relatively simple position (which is a good practical choice given the rarity with which Black meets this variation). Speaking about the Muzio proper, things are much less clear, but 7...Qf5 should be better for Black (albeit complicated).