ECO code: A06
Reti: Tennison Gambit Accepted
Moves: 1. Nf3 d5 2. e4 dxe4
This opening is a variation of the Reti Opening where White offers a pawn early with 2. e4, inviting Black to capture on e4. By doing so, White aims to quickly challenge Black’s control of the center and accelerate piece development.
Characteristic: The Tennison Gambit Accepted is characterized by White’s willingness to sacrifice a central pawn temporarily to gain rapid development and open lines for the pieces. It combines hypermodern ideas (with Nf3) and a direct pawn thrust (e4) to challenge Black’s center.
Playing Style: As White, this gambit is attacking in nature. White tries to seize the initiative early by putting pressure on Black’s central pawn structure and creating tactical opportunities. Black’s acceptance of the pawn leads to a dynamic position where precise defense is required.
Center Control: Although White temporarily concedes the center pawn on e4, the gambit aims to regain or undermine Black’s central presence quickly. Thus, the opening actively contests the center rather than ignoring it.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Reti: Tennison Gambit Accepted, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 144 - Move #4 black