What Is a Gambit?
A gambit is a chess opening in which a player voluntarily sacrifices material, usually a pawn, to achieve a compensating advantage. This advantage often comes in the form of rapid development, control of the center, or an attack on the enemy king. Learn why players take these risks and how to play (or defend against) them.
The Definition
A gambit is a voluntary sacrifice of material in the opening to gain time, space, or an attack.
A chess opening in which a player sacrifices material (usually a pawn) with the hope of achieving a resulting advantage in position, time, or attack.
Think of it as an investment. You pay 1 pawn now to get:
- Better Development: Your pieces come out faster while the opponent is busy eating pawns.
- Center Control: You dominate the middle of the board.
- Open Lines: You open a file for your Rook or a diagonal for your Bishop to attack the King.
Famous Examples
The Queen's Gambit
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4
White offers the c-pawn to fight for the center. It is a very solid, positional opening played by World Champions.
The King's Gambit
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. f4
White offers the f-pawn to open the f-file for the Rook and attack the Black King. This is a wild, aggressive, and romantic opening.
Should You Accept or Decline?
When facing a gambit, you have two choices:
- Gambit Accepted: You take the pawn.
Risk: You fall behind in development.
Reward: If you survive the attack, you are up a pawn in the endgame. - Gambit Declined: You ignore the pawn and develop your pieces.
Risk: None, really. It leads to a more standard game.