Englund Gambit Trap
Beginner · set by Black
The Englund Gambit (1.d4 e5) is a dubious opening with a nasty trap. If White defends the extra pawn with the natural 4.Bf4, Black’s queen raids b2 and mates on c1.
It is popular in fast games because the trap catches so many players. Knowing the one move to avoid makes the gambit simply bad for Black.
How the trap works
16 / 16
Qc1#. The king on e1 is mated on its own back rank.
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.
- ▸…Qe7 and …Qb4+ hit both the e5 pawn and the b2 pawn.
- ▸After Bf4 and Bd2, b2 falls with an attack on the rook.
- ▸White’s pieces block each other and the queen mates on c1.
How to stop it
7 / 7
Qd5! keeps the extra pawn, defends e5 and avoids every queen check trick (engine: about +0.9 for White).
1.2.3.4.
Answer 3…Qe7 with 4.Qd5 (4.Nc3 is also good). White keeps the pawn and Black has nothing for it.
General rule: when the queen gives a check that also attacks b2, look at what your bishop leaves behind before you block.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Englund Gambit good?
- No. After 4.Qd5 or 4.Nc3 Black is simply a pawn down. It only scores because of the trap.
- What is the best answer to the Englund Gambit?
- Take the pawn with 2.dxe5, develop with 3.Nf3, and after 3…Qe7 play 4.Qd5 or 4.Nc3, never 4.Bf4.
More traps
Does your next opponent play traps like this? Scout their recent games and find out in a minute.
Prepare for your opponent