Center Game · C21

Halasz-McDonnell Gambit

1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. f4

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. White opens lines quickly, even at the cost of pawns, to get the queen and bishop into the attack early.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Center Game.
• 2... exd4 Takes the pawn on d4, toward the centre. Theory calls this the Center Game Accepted.

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