Chess: King & Queen Gambits
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White |
Black |
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1. |
e4 |
e5 |
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2. |
f4 |
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White offers Black a pawn so as to divert the black e-pawn away from the centre and then build a stronger centre for White by moving the queen’s pawn to d4.
Black must decide whether or not to ‘accept the gambit’. (This is another way of saying that Black must decide whether or not to capture the white pawn).
The KING’S GAMBIT ACCEPTED, where Black takes the e-pawn (exf4), is the most common variation.
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The KING’S GAMBIT DECLINED, where Black does not take the e-pawn, is also sometimes played. For example:
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Whether the gambit is accepted or declined, a good next move for White is 3. Nf3.
Queen's Gambit
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White |
Black |
| 1. |
d4 |
d5 |
| 2. |
c4 |
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White threatens to take Black’s pawn and then dominate the centre by moving the king’s pawn to e4.
Once again, Black must decide whether to accept or decline the gambit.
The QUEEN’S GAMBIT ACCEPTED, where Black takes the c-pawn (dxc4), for a while gives up the centre to give black pieces more room to move.
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The QUEEN’S GAMBIT DECLINED, where Black does not take the c-pawn and holds on to the centre, means Black’s pieces will often be cramped for a while.
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