Van't Kruijs Opening · A00
Keoni-Hiva Gambit, Ekolu Variation
1. e3 e5 2. Nc3 d5 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.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e3 Supports the centre, adding control of d4. Theory calls this the Van't Kruijs Opening.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Nc3 Develops the knight to c3, eyeing d5 and e4.
- 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 5 in the Van't Kruijs Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.