Elephant Gambit
ECO C40 · 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5
The Elephant Gambit, 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d5, strikes in the center immediately. Black gives up a pawn for quick piece activity and open lines, a rare idea at top level but a popular surprise weapon online.
Plans for White
White can take with 3.exd5 or 3.Nxe5 and aim to keep the extra pawn with sound development: Bb5+ or Bc4, d4 and castling. Accepting calmly and avoiding early queen adventures is the most reliable approach.
Plans for Black
Black seeks open lines with ...Bd6, ...e4 and fast development; after 3.exd5 e4 the pawn on e4 cramps White's knight. Black's play depends on activity, so every tempo counts.
Typical pawn structures
Open center with exchanges on d5 and e5; Black often has a pawn on e4 or no central pawns at all.
Who it suits
Surprise-weapon players in blitz and rapid who enjoy unusual tactics. Objectively White should be better.
Common traps
If White grabs too greedily with the queen, Black's development can create real threats; if Black plays passively, the pawn deficit simply tells.
Variations
- Elephant Gambit: Maróczy Gambit — 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 Bd6
- Elephant Gambit: Paulsen Countergambit — 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 e4
- Elephant Gambit: Wasp Variation — 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nxe5 dxe4 4. Bc4 Qg5