Learn
The big idea
What the King's Gambit is really about.
One of the boldest and oldest openings: White offers a pawn on the very second move to blow open the f-file and grab the centre. It is romantic, attacking chess where the initiative matters more than material. Risky and double-edged, it rewards courage and sharp calculation.
- White's plan: Tempt Black into ...exf4, then build a big pawn centre and open the f-file for the rook. Develop the kingside fast, often castle, and throw pieces at Black's king before the extra pawn can be consolidated.
- Black's plan: Either grab the gambit pawn and try to hold it with ...g5, returning it later for a good game, or simply decline with ...Bc5 and develop soundly while White's kingside stays loose.
What does White get in return for the gambit pawn in the King's Gambit?
Answer the question to keep going!