Zukertort Opening · A06

Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap

1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 dxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. Nc3 Bf5 5. Qe2 Qd4

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. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Scandinavian Defense.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Tennison Gambit: development and initiative over material.
• 2... dxe4 Takes the pawn on e4, toward the centre and opens the d-file for the queen.

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