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Englund Gambit: Hartlaub-Charlick Gambit: what should White play?
Best move
Qxd8++0.01
By playing Qxd8+, you force the Black King to move to d8, stripping away Black's ability to castle. This simplifies the position into an endgame where the d8:black is slightly…
- Games played
- 87K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +0.01
- Depth
- 22
Why Qxd8+ is the best move
Qxd8+! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Qxd8+, you force the Black King to move to d8, stripping away Black's ability to castle. This simplifies the position into an endgame where the d8:black is slightly misplaced and vulnerable in the center.
Multiple Valid Strategies
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Qxd8+ | +0.01 | The Simplifier: Forces an early endgame and misplaces the Black King. |
| Nd2 | -0.01 | The Developer: Protects the center and prepares for a standard middlegame. |
| Qc2 | -0.02 | The Flexible: Keeps Queens on the board while defending the e2 and c3 squares. |
Different paths, same destination: You chose the most direct and forcing path. While Nd2 and Qc2 lead to complex middlegames where both sides keep their attacking potential, your move Qxd8+ dictates the tempo of the game immediately. It is the most popular choice among humans (88%) because it removes Black's most dangerous piece.
Your Continuation
After Qxd8+:
Kxd8 e4 Nd7 f3
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That Black's pawn on e5 left the Queen on d8 unprotected. By trading now, you ensure that Black cannot create a kingside attack with their Queen later, and you transition into a very safe, solid structure with e4 and f3.
📚 Takeaway: In positions with multiple good moves, trust your style! Whether you prefer the clarity of an endgame or the tension of a middlegame, both are objectively sound here.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 87K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qxd8+Engine pick | +0.01 | 0 | 0% | |
| Nd2 | -0.01 | 0 | 0% | |
| Qc2 | -0.02 | 0 | 0% | |
| e4 | -0.19 | 0 | 0% | |
| Qa4+ | -0.35 | 0 | 0% |
More positions in the Englund Gambit
All Englund Gambit positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Englund Gambit: Hartlaub-Charlick Gambit?
Qxd8+ (+0.01). By playing Qxd8+, you force the Black King to move to d8, stripping away Black's ability to castle. This simplifies the position into an endgame where the d8:black is slightly…
Why is Qxd8+ the best move here?
By playing Qxd8+, you force the Black King to move to d8, stripping away Black's ability to castle. This simplifies the position into an endgame where the d8:black is slightly misplaced and vulnerable in the center.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 87K times in the opening book.