The opening bears the name of Austrian master Ernst Falkbeer who played it in an 1851 game against Adolf Anderssen.

In this variation, Black's compensation for the sacrificed pawn primarily consists of his lead in development, coupled with the exposure of White's king.

[2] This line fell out of favour after World War II, as Black encountered difficulties, with players eventually turning to the next idea.

White can respond with 4.Qe2, despite the drastic defeat inflicted on the young Alexander Alekhine by Paul Johner at Carlsbad 1911, although 4.Nc3 exf4 is much more common.

Theory has not reached a definitive verdict, but the resulting positions are believed to offer Black more chances than 3...e4.