Ware Opening · A00

Cologne Gambit

1. a4 b6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 Nd7

In the centre, White holds d4 while Black holds d5.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. a4 A useful waiting move that grabs space on the a-file. Theory calls this the Ware Opening.
• 1... b6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b7.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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