English Opening: Anglo-Scandinavian Defense, Schulz Gambit
The Schulz Gambit is 2...Nf6 after 1.c4 d5 2.cxd5, delaying the recapture to develop first. Black hopes to win back d5 with the knight or queen after gaining time, while White can keep the pawn with e4 or Qa4+ ideas, or return it for a lead in development.
- Moves
- 1.c4 d5 2.cxd5 Nf6
- ECO
- A10
- Engine
- +0.80 · a clear edge for White (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 663 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 53.5%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- 3.Nf3 develops and allows ...Qxd5 4.Nc3 Qa5, a Malvinas setup where White has gained Nf3 for free.
- 3.d4 keeps the center. After ...g6 and ...Bg7, Qa4+ helps hold d5.
- 3.e4 protects d5 with the pawn. After ...Nxe4, Qa4+ wins the knight.
- Keep development ahead; White does not need to cling to d5 if Nc3 and e4 come quickly.
Black
- ...Nxd5 or ...Qxd5 regain the pawn, depending on White's setup.
- Against 3.d4, ...g6 and ...Bg7 give a Grünfeld-style setup.
- Against 3.e4, the engine gambits with ...c6, opening lines for Black's pieces.
- Do not take on e4 with the knight when Qa4+ can fork the king and knight.
Plans and pawn structure
If Black wins the pawn back, the game resembles a Scandinavian or Grünfeld with Black's pieces active. If White holds d5, Black's compensation is development and pressure on d5 and e4. White's plan is to develop with Nf3, Nc3 and e4 and keep central control. Black's plan is ...g6, ...Bg7, ...O-O and pressure on d5 or on the center.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position +0.80: a clear edge for White. Its three top choices for White:
- +0.80 3.Nf3 Qxd5 4.Nc3 Qa5 5.d4 c5
- +0.78 3.d4 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qa4+ c6
- +0.49 3.e4 c6 4.dxc6 Nxc6 5.Nc3 e5
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
663 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 53.5%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
How to play against it
As White, develop and do not cling to d5 at the cost of your position. Watch out for ...Nxd5 tactics. As Black, avoid early ...Nxe4 grabs that walk into Qa4+, and get your pieces out.
Questions
What are the moves of the English Opening: Anglo-Scandinavian Defense, Schulz Gambit?
The English Opening: Anglo-Scandinavian Defense, Schulz Gambit starts 1.c4 d5 2.cxd5 Nf6. Its ECO code is A10.
Is the English Opening: Anglo-Scandinavian Defense, Schulz Gambit good for Black?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position +0.80 at depth 20, which is a clear edge for White. In 663 lichess games from our sample, White scored 53.5%. A tricky choice for Black, but it gives White a solid edge if White develops well.
What is the main idea of the English Opening: Anglo-Scandinavian Defense, Schulz Gambit?
Black develops before recapturing on d5. White can keep the pawn with e4 or d4, while Black aims for active piece play and pressure on d5.
What should White play next?
The engine's first choice is Nf3, with d4 and e4 close behind. 3.Nf3 develops and allows ...Qxd5, keeping White's central edge.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.