These types of openings are risky. You are giving up material to get some form of compensation (piece activity, open lines, a lead in development, a positional advantage, etc). But if you don't take advantage of that initiative, the longer the game goes, you'll be at a material disadvantage in the endgame. Since Grand Masters tend to be excellent defenders, they can typically dispatch gambits effectively, especially if they're playing in classical time control. GMs may consider the King's Gambit to be too risky for classical play because its advantages (center play, open f file, piece activity) are outweighed by its disadvantages (weakens the king, tons of theory, black can play for either calm equality or a clear advantage). Engines don't like the opening either.
However, not all gambits are rare at the top level! The Marshall Gambit and the Two Knights Defense are two examples of gambit lines that are played as often as many other openings at this level, to the point where they're considered top rate lines by GMs.
Hello! I have been playing Shogi (Japanese Chess) for a long time, but I recently started studying chess and found it interesting. I have a question regarding this: As of 2024, are gambit openings (such as the King's Gambit, Queen's Gambit, etc.) still used in professional matches?
I watched a youtube video where Garry Kasparov appeared on Wired, and he was asked why professionals don't play the King's Gambit. He said it's because it's "wild" for top players to adopt. Does this apply to other gambits as well? And if so, why are they considered "wild"? I would appreciate it if you could provide specific positions or game records to explain.
Thank you very much.
以下日本語です。
初めまして！ずっと将棋をやっていましたが、チェスも面白いなと思って最近勉強しています。そこでとある質問なのですが、2024年現在でもプロの試合ではギャンビット系のオープニング（例：キングズ・ギャンビット、クイーンズギャンビット等）が採用されることはまだあるのでしょうか？
ガルリ・カスパロフ氏がWiredに出演した動画にて、同氏は「なぜプロはキングズ・ギャンビットを指さないのか」という質問に、「トッププレイヤーが採用するには”荒い (Wild)”からだ」と言っていました。これは他のギャンビットでもそうなのでしょうか？また、もしそうならなぜ”荒い”と言われるのでしょうか？具体的な局面や棋譜を示していただけると助かります。
どうかよろしくお願いします。