Anyone have a smurfy explanation?
Why is the Elephant gambit called a gambit?
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Maybe because after 4.Nc3 and it more or less becomes a Scandinavian Defense (or as some people say, Center Counter Defense) where black has played e5 and white has a knight on f3
15 days ago
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#5
"Generally, the idea behind a gambit is to sacrifice material to get a lead in development which will allow you to launch a quick attack. "
So black pushing d5 is offering a choice to white after 1. e5 e4, Nf3. d5 is black saying take either of my pawns and I will use that to my advantage. Of course, it's not really a great gambit as it only stifles those who haven't come across it before.
I can understand the King's Gambit being called a gambit, since white gives up an f pawn. But if black plays 3...Qxd5 then it is just an exchange. Or am I missing something? Is there really a gambit in the Elephant gambit?