Barnes Opening · A00

Gedult Gambit, after 1... d5

1. f3 d5 2. e4 g6 3. d4 dxe4 4. c3

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. f3 Fights for e4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Barnes Opening.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... g6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g7.

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