King's Gambit

The King's Gambit is a chess opening by white that offers a pawn to black in exchange for taking control of the middle, if black accepts the gambit:

1.e4 e5
2.f4 ...

Many players, particularly beginners, accept the gambit but chess experts today advise declining it, such as using a knight to protect the vulnerable pawn (i.e., move Nc6). Another recommended response is 2...d5, which can then capture an opponent's pawn it if it first does likewise.

In blitz chess gambits can be highly effective in causing the other side to chew up precision time weighing their response.

Fascinating debate continues as to whether to accept or decline this gambit, and the Queen's Gambit.

Notice that black can offer these gambits, too, but it requires more aggressive defense of a weak spot in the board which develops on the side of the gambit.