King's Gambit
ECO C30 · 1. e4 e5 2. f4
The King's Gambit, 1.e4 e5 2.f4, is the most romantic opening in chess. White offers a pawn to deflect Black's e-pawn, open the f-file and build a strong center with d4. It dominated 19th-century play and still appears as a surprise weapon.
Plans for White
If Black accepts with 2...exf4, White usually plays 3.Nf3 to stop ...Qh4+, then d4, Bc4 or Nc3 and castles, aiming to regain the f4 pawn or attack along the f-file. Rapid development and the open f-file are White's compensation.
Plans for Black
Black can accept and try to keep the pawn with ...g5, return it with an early ...d5 for free development, or decline with 2...Bc5 or the Falkbeer Countergambit (2...d5).
Typical pawn structures
After the gambit is accepted the f-file opens; White has a central pawn majority while Black often has a pawn on f4 supported by ...g5.
Who it suits
Aggressive players who enjoy the initiative and accept a slightly weakened king.
Common traps
In the declined line 2...Bc5, 3.fxe5?? Qh4+ 4.g3 Qxe4+ forks king and rook. White's own king is often the target of ...Qh4+ checks, so Nf3 is important.