♔ whiteC30–C39

King's Gambit

The King's Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.f4) is the most romantic opening in chess. White sacrifices a pawn on move 2 to open the f-file and control the center, leading to wild attacking games.

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Variations

About the King's Gambit

The King's Gambit was the weapon of choice for 19th-century masters like Morphy and Anderssen. After 2.f4, Black can accept (2...exf4) leading to the King's Gambit Accepted, or decline with moves like 2...Bc5 or 2...d5. The accepted lines are the sharpest, with White gaining a strong center and open lines for attack at the cost of a pawn and slight king safety concerns.

Key Ideas

  • Sacrifice f4 to open the f-file toward the enemy king
  • After exf4, play d4 to build a strong center
  • Develop quickly — the open position demands fast piece play
  • Nf3 and Bc4 are typical developing moves targeting f7
  • Don't castle too early — the king might be better in the center

Related Openings

Vienna GameItalian GameBishop's OpeningEvans Gambit

Ready to master the King's Gambit?

Import this one or your own lines from YouTube, Lichess, or PGN and train with spaced repetition.