What is the King’s Gambit?
The King’s Gambit is an aggressive chess opening that begins with the moves:
1. e4 e5 2.f4
The King’s Gambit is my favorite opening as white, and it is risky, but at the same time is offensive-minded and if used correctly, can give you an advantage, especially in the center. It is best for black to capture the pawn (2.exf4), and after that, my best move is 3. Bc4, which allows 3...Qh4+ and 4. Kf1, but has a stronger effect on the center and is better for me in general. 3.Nf3 can still fall to 3...Be7 and 4...Bh4+, which is why I don’t do that unless it is in a game where you can’t castle anyway. If black declines the gambit, I usually either pressure them to capture it with moves such as 3.Nf3, or, if black uses a countergambit like the Falkbeer (2...d5) I support the e-pawn if it is being attacked with 3.Nc3 or 3.d3 (former preferred) or, if they play 2...g5, I usually follow with 3. f5, because it advances into black’s territory without giving black a chance to gain an advantage.
