Chess opening · ECO C30
King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 is the King's Gambit. White offers the f-pawn to remove Black's e5 pawn, hoping to build a full center with d4 and to open the f-file toward f7. The cost is a looser king, since the e1-h4 diagonal is now open. Black can take the pawn, decline it, or hit back in the center.
- Rank by weighted share
- #25 of 159
Key moves
1. e4 e5 2. f4
- 2. f4The f-pawn attacks e5. If Black takes, White no longer faces a pawn on e5 and can play d4 freely. If Black ignores it, fxe5 is a real threat. Either way, the f-file starts to open for White's rook after castling.
Why 2...Bc5 is a trap as well as a defense
Declining with 2...Bc5 puts the bishop on the g1-a7 diagonal, so White's king cannot castle short while that diagonal stays open. It also sets a trap: 3.fxe5 runs into 3...Qh4+ 4.g3 Qxe4+, and the queen checks the king while attacking the h1 rook.
White usually develops with 3.Nf3 first, which covers h4, and only then thinks about c3 and d4 to blunt the bishop.
The Falkbeer idea, 2...d5
Black can also answer the flank thrust with a central pawn break. After 3.exd5, Black may push 3...e4. That pawn covers d3 and f3, so the g1 knight cannot go to its usual square without being hit.
Top replies by rating
Taking with exf4 leads in every band. From 1800 up, d5 climbs into the top three, and at 2000 and up Bc5 joins it.
Questions
Why does White give up the f-pawn on move two?
The pawn buys a clear center and an open f-file. With e5 gone, White can play d4 and follow with quick development, while the f-file points straight at f7.
Do I have to take the pawn as Black?
No. Moves like 2...Bc5 and 2...d5 turn it down and lead to very different games. Taking is the most direct reply, but declining lets Black choose the kind of position.
Related openings
Try it on the board. The first coached game and three analyses are free.