Zukertort Opening · A04
Shabalov Gambit
1. Nf3 e6 2. c4 a6 3. Nc3 c5 4. g3 b5
No pawn stands on d4, e4, d5 or e5 - this line is played with the centre squares empty.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Zukertort Opening.
- 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Queen's Gambit Invitation.
- 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Agincourt Defense.
- 2... a6 A useful waiting move that keeps the structure flexible on the a-file.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 47 in the Zukertort Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.