English Defense · A40

Poli Gambit

1. d4 e6 2. c4 b6 3. e4 Bb7 4. f3 f5 5. exf5 Nh6

An early pawn trade leaves the e-file as White's avenue and the f-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it. Black's queenside bishop takes the long diagonal.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Horwitz Defense.
• 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.
• 2... b6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b7. Theory calls this the English Defense.

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