Countergambit

A countergambit is a material offer made by the second player, normally Black, during the opening. It is a particular kind of gambit: the player accepts the risk of a material deficit in return for activity, rapid development, meaning bringing pieces from their starting squares to useful positions, central control, or immediate threats.

A countergambit often appears in response to the opponent's gambit, but usage is not completely uniform. Some sources use the word for any gambit by the second player; others reserve it for an offer made in answer to another offer. Established opening names preserve this variation. In either usage, the practical aim is to contest the initiative, meaning the ability to create threats that force the opponent to respond.

Possible responses

• Accept the material and try to withstand the activity gained by the opponent.
• Decline the offer and continue development without opening the proposed lines.
• Return material to finish development or extinguish the initiative.

A countergambit works only when its compensation justifies the offered material. Some lines are supported by theory and may help Black seek equalization. Others are risky and depend on the opponent failing to find an accurate defense.

The term does not cover every counterattack by Black. A characteristic material offer must be present. Nor does it guarantee lasting aggression: if the opponent neutralizes the initiative, the missing material may become a persistent disadvantage.