Chessy
Englund Gambit: Hartlaub-Charlick Gambit — Black’s drill
After 1.d4 e5 2.dxe5 d6, White has a choice to make and the game can move quickly. This drill helps you handle the exact position where the opening branch begins, so you can meet the main replies without drifting. The engine’s top recommendation is clear, and the database shows which continuations you are most likely to face. Use the board below to learn the ideas, then test yourself against a moving target.
Play the Englund Gambit: Hartlaub-Charlick Gambit against the engine
Free, no signup — you play black, the engine adapts to your level.
Play the drill now and practise the position against the engine. Create a free account if you want to keep track of your training.
Create a free account →What the position tells you
Stockfish rates this +1.44, a clear advantage for White. That means you are already worse, so your job is practical defence: know the main replies, stay active, and avoid making the position even easier for White. The good news is that this is an exact tabiya you can study and repeat. If you recognise it quickly, you can spend your time on the most important move choices instead of guessing over the board.
The move White plays most often
The most-played continuation is exd6, with 2,961,102 games, and White scores 46.4% there. That makes it the most common thing you need to be ready for in practice. The engine’s best move is Nf3, and the listed line continues Nf3 Nc6 Bg5 Be7. In other words, you should expect White to develop naturally and try to keep the pressure on while you keep your position organised.
Moves you should respect
Three of the listed replies are marked as inaccuracies: Bf4, Nc3, and e4. The notes say each one loses about 0.5 or 0.9 pawns, and each time the better move was Nf3. That is useful for training because it tells you which ideas White may choose, and which ones are less accurate. If White plays one of these moves, you should still stay focused on the same practical goal: respond calmly and make the most of the opening’s extra space and activity.
What the numbers say overall
Across 4,043,512 games at this exact position, White wins 47.7%, draws 3.7%, and Black wins 48.6%. The database result is close, which tells you this position is not just a theoretical puzzle — it is a real battleground where both sides score well. Even so, the engine verdict is harsh for Black, so your results will depend on accurate follow-up and good handling of White’s most common developing moves.
Results across 4,043,512 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| exd6 | 2,961,102 | 46.4% |
| Nf3 | 723,440 | 51.9% |
| Bf4 | 124,917 | 53.3% |
| Nc3 | 69,153 | 51.1% |
| e4 | 53,711 | 51.4% |
| f4 | 45,126 | 44.2% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Englund Gambit: Hartlaub-Charlick Gambit good for Black?
In this exact position, the engine gives +1.44, a clear advantage for White. So you should not treat it as a sound equalising line. It is best approached as a practical weapon that needs accurate play.
What is White’s best move here?
The engine’s best move is Nf3. The listed continuation is Nf3 Nc6 Bg5 Be7. That is the main pattern to understand when you face this position.
Which reply is most common in the database?
The most-played continuation is exd6, with 2,961,102 games. It is the move you are most likely to meet in practice, so it is the first one to know well.
Which moves are flagged as mistakes?
Bf4, Nc3, and e4 are all listed as inaccuracies. In each case, the better move was Nf3. If White chooses one of these, you should still focus on active development and not let the position slip further.
How many games feature the Englund Gambit: Hartlaub-Charlick Gambit?
Over 4 million Lichess games have reached the Englund Gambit: Hartlaub-Charlick Gambit position. White wins 47.7%, Black wins 48.6%, with 3.7% draws — based on real rated games.