Englund Gambit Declined: Reversed Alekhine Variation
Englund Gambit Declined: Reversed Alekhine Variation
Definition
The Englund Gambit Declined: Reversed Alekhine Variation is a dynamic, offbeat chess opening that arises after the moves 1. d4 e5 2. Nf3 e4. White declines the pawn sacrifice of the Gambit (the Englund Gambit) by developing the knight, and Black responds by advancing the e-pawn to e4, driving the f3-knight. The position that results after 3. Nfd2 (or 3. Ne5/3. Ng5) mirrors structures from the Alekhine’s Defense, but with Colors reversed and an extra tempo for White—hence the name “Reversed Alekhine.”
Move Order and Core Position
Basic move order: 1. d4 e5 2. Nf3 e4 (Englund Gambit Declined: Reversed Alekhine). The main continuation is 3. Nfd2 d5, when Black supports the e4 pawn and claims space. White typically challenges the chain with c4, e3, and f3, aiming to undermine e4 and overtake the center with development.
Key branching points:
- 3. Nfd2 d5 4. c4 c6 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. e3 — a solid, “French-like” reversed structure.
- 3. Ne5 d6 4. Nc4 d5 — White keeps the knight more active, but Black’s space remains.
- 3. Ng5 d5 4. c4 — a sharper approach; White later strikes with f3 or Nc3.
Strategic Ideas and Typical Plans
For White:
- Undermine the e4 pawn with f3, e3, and c4; if e4 falls, Black’s structure collapses.
- Prioritize rapid development: Nc3, e3, Be2, O-O, and timely cxd5 or f3.
- Target the d5–e4 chain with piece pressure (Qb3, Nc3, f3) and timely central breaks.
- Endgames favor White if the center opens, thanks to better development and structure.
For Black:
- Support the space-gaining pawn with ...d5, ...c6, and ...f5; develop with ...Nf6, ...Bd6, ...O-O, ...Re8.
- Keep lines closed until development is complete; then consider ...c5 or ...f4 to seize the initiative.
- Watch for tactical shots on e4; a loose pawn there can be lost to f3 or Qc2/Qb3 motifs (see LPDO).
- Play for practical pressure in Blitz and Rapid, where surprise value is highest.
Theory Status and Evaluation
From a theoretical standpoint, 2...e4 is playable but objectively dubious: with best play, White keeps a small, stable edge due to harmonious development and strong central breaks. Still, as a surprise weapon it scores decently at faster time controls, offering real Practical chances and a rich middlegame fight. Few “Book” lines go very deep here, so both sides must rely on general Theory and pattern knowledge.
Typical Traps and Pitfalls
- Overextended center: If Black plays an early ...f5 and neglects development, White can hit back with f3 or Qb3, winning e4 or creating structural weakness.
- The premature ...e3?!: Gains time on White’s bishop but often leaves chronic light-square weaknesses; after Bxe3 or fxe3, White’s center can roll.
- Loose e4 pawn: Tactics like f3!, Qc2/Qb3, or cxd5 can overload Black’s defenses—classic “Trap the pawn on e4” motifs where Loose pieces drop off.
Illustrative Line 1: Main Structure (safe, strategic)
A calm development scheme where both sides reveal typical plans and piece placement.
Notes: White will aim for f3 to crack e4, while Black often prepares ...a6–...b5 (queenside space) or ...c5 (central challenge) after completing development.
Illustrative Line 2: Punishing Overreach
Demonstrates how White exploits early kingside ambition by Black.
Notes: After timely f3 and Qb3/Qc2 pressure, the e4 pawn can fall or force concessions; White often emerges with the safer king and healthier pawn structure.
How It Is Used in Practice
The variation is a favorite surprise choice in online Blitz and Bullet games. Black players employ it to sidestep deep Queen’s Gambit or King’s Indian theory and force the opponent to solve new problems early. White players, aware of its “reversed” nature, aim for a solid plus with principled central play. It rarely appears in elite classical play but can be a practical weapon at club level.
Historical and Naming Notes
The base opening, 1. d4 e5!?, is the Englund Gambit, attributed to Swedish master Fritz Englund (early 20th century). The “Reversed Alekhine” tag highlights how Black’s e-pawn thrust to e4 provokes knight retreats and cedes central targets in a way reminiscent of the Alekhine’s Defense—only with the roles reversed and White holding the tempo edge. While not a mainline theoretical battleground, it has a long pedigree in practical play and in coffeehouse adventures—perfect for the occasional Cheap shot or swift initiative.
Practical Tips and Model Plans
- White should not fear space; instead, challenge it. Timely f3 and e3 are thematic to erode e4.
- Black must develop quickly. Aim for ...Nf6, ...Bd6, ...O-O, ...Re8, and only then consider breaks like ...c5 or ...f4.
- Beware of piece activity: the side that opens the center with better development usually takes over.
- Endgames: If the center opens favorably, White’s lasting plus in structure and development tends to tell.
Evaluation Summary
Objectively: slight edge for White. Practically: dangerous and playable for Black in faster time controls, with solid Swindling chances if White drifts or underestimates Black’s space. Understanding the “reversed” pawn-chain logic is more important than memorizing long lines.
Related Terms and See Also
- Colors reversed — understanding reversed openings and tempo effects
- Gambit — broader context of pawn sacrifices and initiative
- Book and Theory — why this line is more concept-driven than memorized
- Practical chances — leveraging surprise value
- Trap and LPDO — common pitfalls around the e4 pawn
Quick Reference: Main Moves
1. d4 e5 2. Nf3 e4 3. Nfd2 d5 4. c4 c6 5. Nc3 Nf6 6. e3 Bd6 7. Be2 O-O 8. O-O Re8. From here, plans revolve around whether White breaks with f3 and/or cxd5 first, and whether Black times ...c5 or ...f5.
Player Stats and Trend
Curious how you perform in Blitz from this system? • Trend:
Fun Fact
Because it’s “Alekhine in reverse,” players who know the classic Alekhine’s Defense ideas can transfer that knowledge here: space vs. undermining. In practical terms, White gets the better side of the deal thanks to the extra tempo—so Black relies on momentum and surprise to make it work.