The King's Gambit is a chess opening that begins:

1. e4 e5

2. f4

White offers a pawn to divert the Black e-pawn and wants to build a stronger center with d2-d4. Theory has shown that in order for Black to maintain the one pawn advantage, moves must be made that seriously weaken the position of the black pieces. King's Gambit is one of the oldest documented openings as it was examined by the 17th century Italian chess player Giulio Polerio. It is in an older book by Luis Ramirez de Lucena. The King's Gambit is now rarely seen at the master level. Black can obtain a reasonable position by relinquishing the extra pawn at a later time and consolidating defensively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Falkbeer Countergambit runs 1.e4 e5 2.f4 d5 3.exd5 e4, in which Black sacrifices a pawn in return for quick and easy development. It was once considered good for Black and scored highly, but White obtains some advantage with the response 4.d3!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A more modern interpretation of the Falkbeer is 2...d5 3 exd5 c6!?, as advocated by Aron Nimzowitsch. Black is not concerned about pawns and aims for early piece activity. White has a better pawn structure and prospects of a better ending. The main line continues 4. Nc3 exf4 5. Nf3 Bd6 6. d4 Ne7 7. dxc6 Nbxc6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Classical decline of the gambit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gambit accepted leads to a wealth of possible gambits. Including

• 3. b3?!- the Orsini Gambit
• 3. Nc3- the Mason Gambit
• 3. d4- the Steinitz Gambit
• 3. Bb5- the Shurig Gambit
• 3. Be2- the Lesser Bishop's Gambit 
• 3. Qe2- Basman's Gambit
• 3. Qf3- the Hungarian Gambit
• 3. Qg4- the Dodo Gambit
• 3. Qh5?!- the Carrera Gambit
• 3. g3?!- the Gaga Gambit
• 3. Ne2- the Paris Gambit
• 3. h4- the Stamma Gambit
• 3. Nh3- the Eisenberg Gambit
• 3. Kf2?!-the King's Own Gambit.