King's Gambit Accepted: Bishop's Gambit

Before the first move

The King's Gambit is one of the most romantic and aggressive openings in chess history. By sacrificing the f-pawn, White aims to distract Black's center pawn and open lines for a devastating attack. In the Bishop's Gambit, White prioritizes rapid development of the light-squared bishop over preventing an immediate check on h4.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most popular move in chess. It immediately fights for control of the d5 and f5 squares while preparing to develop the kingside. Black has many ways to respond, but the most traditional mirror is e5.

1... e5Black · your move

Respond by moving your pawn to e5. By mirroring White, you establish your own stake in the center and prevent White from easily pushing a second pawn to d4. This leads to open games full of tactical possibilities.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. f4White

White plays f4, the King's Gambit. This is a high-stakes provocation that ignores the safety of the king to gain rapid activity. Black can decline with moves like Bc5 or d5, but accepting the pawn is the most critical test.

Other paths here: Ke2 (Bongcloud Attack) · d4 (Center Game) · c4 (English Opening: The Whale) · Ne2 (King's Pawn Game: Alapin Opening)

2... exf4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on f4. By accepting the gambit, you challenge White to prove they have enough compensation for the material. You now have an extra pawn, though you must be ready to defend against White's upcoming development.

Other paths here: Bc5 (King's Gambit Declined: Classical Variation) · Qh4+ (King's Gambit Declined: Keene's Defense) · Qf6 (King's Gambit Declined: Norwalde Variation) · f5 (King's Gambit Declined: Panteldakis Countergambit)

3. Bc4White

White plays Bc4, choosing the Bishop's Gambit over the more common Nf3. This move allows a check on h4 but develops a key piece rapidly. Alternatives like Nf3 prevent the check, while the Breyer Gambit with Qf3 seeks a different kind of pressure.

Other paths here: Qe2 (King's Gambit Accepted: Basman Gambit) · Qf3 (King's Gambit Accepted: Breyer Gambit) · Qh5 (King's Gambit Accepted: Carrera Gambit) · Qg4 (King's Gambit Accepted: Dodo Variation)

Where you stand

The position is sharp and double-edged. Black often continues with a check on h4, forcing the White king to move to f1, losing the ability to castle but gaining time against the Black queen. White will try to dominate the center with d4, while Black must decide whether to hold the f4-pawn or return it to catch up in development.

• d8-h4 Deliver a check to displace the king
• d2-d4 Seize the full center with d4
• g1-f3 Develop the knight and harass the queen
• g8-f6 Develop the knight to challenge e4