Is there a 'refutation', i.e. a defense for black that leads to a guaranteed advantage assuming perfect play, against the Muzio gambit?
[StartPly "11"]
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1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.Bc4 g4 5.O-O gxf3 6.Qxf3
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Maybe this is just a subquestion to the more general: <chess.stackexchange.com/questions/73/…>.– Pablo S. OcalCommented Sep 20, 2014 at 18:22
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2 Answers
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).
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Good point, but I too don't think that answers the actual question! Commented Sep 18, 2014 at 14:06
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Indeed, good points. If it doesn't answer the actual question, that's because no good answer could, because it's based on the premise that the Muzio favours White and that what's needed is a way for Black to refute it. On the contrary, it favours Black.– Rosie FCommented Mar 4, 2022 at 19:46
After achieving the state of the 'Muzio Gambit', White has a very distinct advantage via development. But at that point, the advantage is firmly established: Anything that Black could've done to prevent such an egregious advantage would've prevented the board from reaching the defined 'Muzio Gambit'.
The only thing that could save Black at that point, is if White does not maintain constant attack pressure, and allows Black to develop.
I have never come across any technique that Black could do to regain control from a very aggressive White player.
