Van Geet Opening · A00

Gladbacher Gambit

1. Nc3 e5 2. b3 d5 3. e4 dxe4 4. d3

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as Black's avenue and the e-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. Nc3 Develops the knight to c3, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Van Geet Opening.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Reversed Nimzowitsch.
• 2. b3 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b2.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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