Zukertort Opening: Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap (A06)

The Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap is a variation of the Zukertort Opening, catalogued as ECO A06. The line runs 1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 dxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. Nc3 Bf5 5. Qe2 Qd4, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.

On the Zukertort Opening generally: A flexible system starting with Nf3. Can transpose into many different openings.

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Zukertort Opening: Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap — position after Qd4 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 dxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. Nc3 Bf5 5. Qe2 Qd4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4d5
2Nf3dxe4
3Ng5Nf6
4Nc3Bf5
5Qe2Qd4

ECO: A06

Stockfish: +3.01 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Zukertort Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap?

The Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap goes 1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 dxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. Nc3 Bf5 5. Qe2 Qd4. It is a variation of the Zukertort Opening and is catalogued as ECO A06.

What is the ECO code for the Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap?

The Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap is ECO A06. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Zukertort Opening.

Is the Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 dxe4 3. Ng5 Nf6 4. Nc3 Bf5 5. Qe2 Qd4 at +3.01 at depth 18, which is a clear advantage for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Tennison Gambit, Brigg's Trap lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.