ECO code: A40
Englund Gambit, 3...Qe7 arises after the moves 1. d4 e5 2. dxe5 Nc6 3. Nf3 Qe7.
This move 3...Qe7 is a less common but aggressive attempt by Black to quickly recover the pawn on e5 while developing the queen early. The idea is to pressure White’s e5-pawn and potentially prepare to regain material with active piece play.
Characteristic: The queen move to e7 supports the knight on c6 and targets the e5 pawn directly. It is somewhat provocative, as it develops the queen early, which can expose Black to tempo-gaining moves by White.
Playing Style: As Black, this line is considered attacking, aiming for rapid piece activity and central counterplay. White’s play is often more positional or defensive initially, as White tries to maintain the extra pawn and develop safely.
Center Control: The Englund Gambit itself is a gambit challenging White’s central control immediately. By playing 3...Qe7, Black continues to contest the center, particularly the e5 square, aiming to undermine White’s central presence rather than ceding 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 Englund Gambit Complex: Englund Gambit, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 112 - Move #5 white