Simple way to outsmart the Englund Gambit

[@mircopaul5259]

You are producing very high quality content at an incredible rate. Great work!

[@MatBobulasChessSchool]

Thank you, it is really nice to read words like that.

[@briandwi2504]

Thanks. Very helpful!

[@MatBobulasChessSchool]

I am happy that you like it :)

[@milosjovanovic4218]

Why 8. c3 instead of more natural looking 8. Nc3 ?

[@Chessdrummer83]

It would be due to d4 kicking away the knight. Also c3 reduces the strength of any d4 breaks in the near future

[@milosjovanovic4218]

@@Chessdrummer83 yeah, it makes sense, but why not e3 then?

[@MatBobulasChessSchool]

Also, Nc3 creates a tactical motif of a blocked Queen. There is potential for Na5 to trap the Queen. The structure with pawns on c3 and e3 looks very solid. By the way, it is very similar to Fort Knox in the French Defense.

[@milosjovanovic4218]

Thank you!