Quick answer
The Englund Gambit starts . After , Black attacks the e5 pawn and sets a trap: if , then leads to . It's a fun surprise weapon, but with correct play, such as , White stays better.
- Moves
- Type
- Gambit for Black against 1.d4
- Main trap
- and ...Qc1#
- Engine verdict
- Better for White with correct play
Key ideas in 20 seconds
A pawn gift1...e5 gives a pawn to drag White into tactics.
Pressure on e5...Nc6 and ...Qe7 attack the pawn on e5.
Queen raid...Qb4+ and ...Qxb2 grab material on the queenside.
The c1 squareWhen White's pieces get tangled, ...Qc1# appears.
White's antidoteDevelop with Nc3 and keep the advantage.
The famous Englund trap, move by move
After , Black attacks the pawn with and . White's natural way to keep it is .
Now checks the king and attacks the b2 pawn at the same time. After , Black's queen is attacking the rook on a1 and the knight on b1.
The natural-looking attacks Black's queen, but pins the bishop to White's king. Black threatens both ...Qxa1 and ...Bxc3+. White's best try, , defends c3, but after comes .
❓ Quick check
After 5...Qxb2, which White move keeps the advantage?
6.Bc3?? runs into ...Bb4, and 6.e3 loses the rook to ...Qxa1. 6.Nc3 covers everything and keeps White ahead.
How White should answer the Englund Gambit
The simplest plan is to develop normally. brings a piece out and covers b5 and d5. If Black wins the pawn back with , White takes the center with and is ahead in development. Stockfish rates White clearly better.
A more ambitious try is , protecting e5 with the queen. After , White is a clean pawn up.
Is the Englund Gambit good?
Not at a high level. Stockfish gives White a clear edge after almost every sensible reply, and strong players know the trap. But below about 1200, many opponents have never seen it, the trap is easy to fall into, and the positions are sharp enough that one slip decides the game. Use it as a surprise weapon in fast games, not as your main defense to 1.d4.
For a reliable answer to 1.d4, learn the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Slav Defense.
Common mistakes
- As Black, expecting the trap every game. If White plays 4.Nc3 or 4.Qd5, you're simply a pawn down. Know the normal plans too.
- As White, holding on to the e5 pawn at all costs. Defending it with Bf4 and then Bc3 is exactly how the trap happens.
- As White, forgetting about c1. Once the bishop has left c1 and the queen has moved, ...Qc1 can be checkmate.
💡 Club-level tip
If you face the Englund as White, don't try to keep the e5 pawn forever. Play Nc3, then e4, and enjoy the center. If you've already gone 4.Bf4 Qb4+ 5.Bd2 Qxb2, the safe move is 6.Nc3.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Englund Gambit sound?
No. With accurate play White keeps an advantage, usually an extra pawn or a big lead in development. It is a trappy surprise weapon, not a main line.
What is the Englund Gambit trap?
1.d4 e5 2.dxe5 Nc6 3.Nf3 Qe7 4.Bf4 Qb4+ 5.Bd2 Qxb2 6.Bc3?? Bb4! 7.Qd2 Bxc3 8.Qxc3 Qc1#.
How do you beat the Englund Gambit?
Take the pawn with 2.dxe5, defend it with 3.Nf3, then develop with 4.Nc3 and 5.e4. If you have played 4.Bf4 Qb4+ 5.Bd2 Qxb2, answer with 6.Nc3, not 6.Bc3.
Who is the Englund Gambit named after?
Fritz Englund, a Swedish player from the early 1900s.
Is the Englund Gambit good for beginners?
As a surprise in blitz it can be fun, and it teaches tactics. As your main defense to 1.d4, choose something solid like the Queen's Gambit Declined.
Test yourself
5 positions from this lesson. Play Black: can you find the move?