ChessschoolWhat is a gambit?
A gambit offers material, usually a pawn, to gain time, activity or an attack.
Look for compensation
The player offering the pawn hopes to develop faster or open lines. A gambit is not automatically sound: you must compare the extra activity with the material given up.
An opening example
After 1. e4 e5 2. f4, White offers the f-pawn in the King’s Gambit. If Black captures on f4, White aims for active development. Moving the f-pawn also weakens White’s king.
Decide calmly
You do not have to accept an offered pawn. If you do accept it, develop and keep your king safe rather than trying to hold the pawn at any cost. Beginners should first understand opening principles.
Try it yourself
Why might a free pawn be dangerous to capture?
Check the answer
Capturing can use time, open a line towards your king or leave a piece exposed. Calculate the opponent’s reply.
Put it into practice
Open the related lesson Practise with puzzles
Sources and corrections
For the official rules, see the FIDE Laws of Chess. Found an error? Send the position and page address.