King's Gambit

The King's Gambit begins after both sides advance the king's pawn and White then plays f4. A gambit is an offer of material, usually a pawn, in return for time, open lines, or the initiative. The initiative is the ability to make threats that force the opponent to respond. Here White invites Black's e5-pawn to capture on f4.

2.f4 offers a pawn and makes Black choose the kind of struggle

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a1

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Startf4

2.f4 attacks e5 and offers the f-pawn to gain development time and open lines if Black captures.

White can challenge e5 with the f-pawn

Black's center still depends on the e5-pawn. White can offer material to divert it and accelerate piece activity.

1. 2.f4 attacks e5 and offers the f-pawn to gain development time and open lines if Black captures.

If Black accepts, the e5-pawn leaves the center. White may occupy that space with d4, develop quickly, and use the f-file, the vertical line vacated by White's pawn, to attack f7. The cost is substantial: moving the f2-pawn weakens diagonals near White's king and permits ideas such as an early black queen check from h4. The opening does not guarantee an attack, so White must combine speed with king safety.

Black's basic choice

• In the King's Gambit Accepted, Black captures with ...exf4 and asks White to prove that activity compensates for the pawn.
• In the King's Gambit Declined, Black does not capture on f4. Black may develop a piece, strike in the center, or answer with a countergambit.