The line
1. d4 e5 2. dxe5 Nc6 3. Nf3 Qe7 4. Bf4 Qb4+ 5. Bd2 Qxb2 6. Bc3 Bb4 7. Qd2 Bxc3 8. Qxc3 Qc1#
Your moves, explained
- 1... e5 The Englund Gambit. A pawn for fast play.
- 2... Nc6 Attacks e5 and develops.
- 3... Qe7 Eyes e5 and the b4 square.
- 4... Qb4+ Checks and hits the b2 pawn.
- 5... Qxb2 Now the rook on a1 is in danger.
- 6... Bb4 Pins the bishop. White is tangled up.
- 7... Bxc3 Nothing guards c1 any more.
- 8... Qc1# Checkmate in 8 moves.
Want the theory behind it? Read our Englund Gambit Trap guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the moves of the Englund Gambit Trap?
1. d4 e5 2. dxe5 Nc6 3. Nf3 Qe7 4. Bf4 Qb4+ 5. Bd2 Qxb2 6. Bc3 Bb4 7. Qd2 Bxc3 8. Qxc3 Qc1#. You play Black; If White grabs pawns and blocks with Bd2 and Bc3, take on b2, pin the queen and mate on c1.
How do I practise the Englund Gambit Trap?
Watch GothamChess's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 8 of Black's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where GothamChess explains each move.
Do I need an account?
No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.
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The video is embedded from YouTube and belongs to GothamChess. Chess DNA is not affiliated with the creator. Updated Nov 10, 2026.