Kádas Opening · A00

Kádas Gambit, after 1... d5

1. h4 d5 2. d4 c5 3. Nf3 cxd4 4. c3

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-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. h4 A useful waiting move that grabs space on the h-file. Theory calls this the Kádas Opening.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... c5 Challenges the pawn on d4 - the central tension has to resolve.

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