Englund Gambit Declined: Reversed Alekhine

Englund Gambit Declined: Reversed Alekhine

Definition

The “Englund Gambit Declined: Reversed Alekhine” is a sub-variation of the Englund Gambit that begins with the moves 1. d4 e5 2. Nf3. By refraining from accepting Black’s offered pawn on e5 (i.e., declining the gambit), White invites 2…e4, after which the knight usually retreats to g1. Because the position mirrors the Alekhine Defence (1. e4 Nf6 2. e5 Nd5) with colours reversed, the line is dubbed the “Reversed Alekhine.” In ECO codes it is classified under A40.

Typical Move-Order

The most common sequence illustrating the idea is:

• 1. d4 e5
• 2. Nf3 – White declines the pawn sacrifice, putting the question to Black’s e-pawn.
• 2…e4
• 3. Ng1 – the “back-flip” that evokes the Alekhine Defence.
• 3…d5 (or 3…Nf6) – Black stakes more space in the centre.
• 4. c4 or 4. Bf4 – White strikes back at the pawn chain.

Strategic Themes

Although Black seizes central space with pawns on e4 and d5, the structure is somewhat over-extended and can be undermined. Key concepts include:

• White’s plan: Pressure the advanced e-pawn with moves like c4, Nc3, Bf4, and e3. Because the knight has returned to g1, White retains flexibility in choosing either Nf3 or Ne2 later, often aiming for f3 to hit e4 a second time.
• Black’s plan: Use the space advantage to develop pieces rapidly (…Nf6, …Bd6, …Nf6) and possibly castle long, keeping the centre closed as long as possible.
• Pawn tension: If Black ever plays …dxc4, the e4-pawn can become isolated and a long-term weakness. Conversely, if White plays f3 too early, the g1-knight may become awkward.
• Piece activity vs. structure: White often trades a tempo (Ng1–f3–g1) for a more durable pawn centre after later dxe5 or f3–fxe4.

Historical & Practical Significance

The Englund Gambit itself (1. d4 e5 ?!) is viewed as dubious at master level, and the Reversed Alekhine line is one of the safer ways for White to meet it. Because the variation deprives Black of immediate tactical tricks associated with 2. dxe5, it has found favour among players who seek to steer the game into calmer waters while still retaining an opening plus.

Though rare in elite events, the line appears frequently in club play and online blitz, where surprise value can compensate for objective soundness.

Illustrative Mini-Game

The following short model game shows typical ideas for both sides:

Key moments:

1. 4. c4 immediately challenges the d5–e4 chain.
2. 8. e3 prepares f3 at a convenient moment.
3. After 10. cxd5 cxd5 11. Bb5, White generates pressure on Black’s centre to justify the earlier knight retreat.

Famous References

No elite classics carry this exact move-order, but the structure has arisen in rapid games by creative grandmasters such as Baadur Jobava and Hikaru Nakamura, usually when they choose the Englund Gambit as a surprise weapon with Black.

Interesting Facts

• The first recorded mention of the “Reversed Alekhine” tag dates back to the 1950s Swedish chess literature, honouring Johannes Englund (after whom the gambit is named) and drawing the tongue-in-cheek comparison with Alekhine’s Defence.
• Computer engines typically give White an evaluation of +0.8 to +1.2 after 3. Ng1, yet practical results in amateur databases show Black scoring roughly 45 %, illustrating the surprise value.
• Some sources call 1. d4 e5 2. Nf3 exd4 3. Nxd4 the “Anti-Englund Gambit,” but modern ECO lists it under the same Reversed Alekhine umbrella.

Practical Tips

• For White: Do not rush to capture on e4; instead, increase the pressure with c4, Nc3, and Bf4. Time your f3 break only after completing development.
• For Black: Avoid over-expansion (for example, playing …f5 too early). Develop quickly and keep the centre intact; if White commits to f3, consider …Bb4+ to gain tempo.

Conclusion

The Englund Gambit Declined: Reversed Alekhine is a quirky, reversible cousin of the Alekhine Defence that gives both sides chances for creative play. While theoretically favourable for White, its off-beat nature means that sound preparation and an understanding of the pawn-chain dynamics are more important than memorising concrete lines.