English Opening · A20

King's English Variation, Kahiko-Hula Gambit

1. c4 e5 2. e3 Nf6 3. f4 exf4 4. Nf3

An early pawn trade leaves the e-file as Black's avenue and the f-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. c4 fights for d5 without committing the centre pawns: White often fianchettoes and plays a reversed Sicilian with an extra tempo.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the English Opening.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the King's English Variation.
• 2. e3 Supports the centre, adding control of d4.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.

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