Bird Opening · A02

Siegener Gambit

1. f4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. Nf3 c5 4. c3

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black'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. f4 Fights for e5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Bird Opening.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the From's Gambit: development and initiative over material.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... exd4 Takes the pawn on d4, toward the centre.

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