Englund Gambit: Soller Gambit: what should White play?

In the Englund Gambit: Soller Gambit, White reaches a decisive advantage in this position, with the engine evaluation standing at +7.09. The most effective continuation is Bc4+, a move played in 92.1% of the 120,082 recorded games, which leads to a 94.1% win rate for White. This move forces the black king into the open or demands immediate material concessions to prevent a rapid checkmate.

The dominance of Bc4+

The move Bc4+ is the primary continuation in this line, as it immediately targets the exposed black king on f7. By developing the bishop with check, White forces Black to either block the diagonal or move the king further into the center. The main line continuation Bc4+ d5 Bxd5+ Qxd5 Qxd5+ Kg6 demonstrates White's ability to trade the minor piece for the queen, resulting in a completely winning endgame.

Defensive attempts by Black

Black's position is precarious due to the early king move required by the Soller Gambit. If Black attempts to avoid the immediate loss of the queen, the king is often forced to g6 or e8. In variations where White chooses Qd5+, which is played in 2.3% of games, Black typically responds with Ke8. While this move still favors White with a +6.31 evaluation, it is statistically less punishing than the main line, as White's win rate drops to 75.5%.

Alternative development options

While Bc4+ is the most forcing, White has other viable developmental moves that maintain a significant advantage. The move Nc3 has been played in 145 recorded games, carrying an evaluation of +4.12 and a 66.9% win rate. Another solid option is Nf3, which appears in 1.2K games and scores 79.8% for White. These moves focus on long-term piece activity and central control, such as in the line Nf3 Bb4+ Bd2 Bxd2+ Nbxd2 d6, rather than the immediate tactical strike on f7.