White can play into the main line and then create threats with his knight and rook on the queenside in the middle game once black’s threats subsides. White actually wins almost every time.
I prefer the declined line or Stockholm variation because it’s fairly equal for tactical opportunities and you don’t play into any heavy theory favourable by white.
I also use the Englund opening as an anti-London since the bishop cannot park on F4 on the second move.
I score 60% with the Englund for blitz but have recently learned the Modern defense and Nimzo for rapid play. I would recommend only use the Englund for blitz or bullet and learn a solid opening for rapid play.
On a side note, I have seen the Englund Gambit more often and frequently. What's the best way for white to play against it? Does the game became more tactical or positional? Is there any central ideas for a pawn break or central control? Can you decline the gambit with better results?
From other sites I found these notes:
This trap starts out with the Englund Gambit which is 1. d4 e5. This is not a recommended opening for black but something that you might see if you start with d4 and very important to understand how to move forward.
The Englund Gambit Trap is an ambitious attempt by black to lure white into making rational, but dangerous moves. Black will give up the e pawn early on and then bring out his queen for a quick attack on the queen side of the board. The critical move comes after black takes with 5…Qxb2.
1. d4 e5
2. dxe5 Nc6
3. Nf3 Qe7
4. Bf4 Qb4+
5. Bd2 Qxb2
In this spot white may be tempted to play Bc3 and attack the queen but the better move is to play Nc3.
