Author Description

The English Opening is typically a solid and reliable opening for White, one where both sides develop their pieces to reasonable squares before the combat begins in earnest. The gambits covered in this book change that manuscript entirely. Before either side has completed any kind of development, Black tries to grab the initiative by sacrificing a pawn. Both gambits arise after 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 e4!? 4.Ng5. The Adhiban Gambit then continues by Black playing 4...c6!?, intending to meet 5.Ngxe4 with 5...Nxe4 6.Nxe4 d5, gaining time and space in the center, whereas the Bellon Gambit instead sees Black opt for the flank gambit 4...b5!?, hoping to build a large center. The Adhiban Gambit has only recently found its way into the limelight, whereas the Bellon Gambit has been around for more than 50 years and was once thought refuted, but is once more considered playable. Prepare to give White a ruthless wake-up call!