1.e4 — the open games
King's Gambit Declined
1.e4 e5 2.f4 Bc5ECO C30
Rather than grab the f4-pawn, Black develops the bishop to c5, eyeing the sensitive g1-a7 diagonal and discouraging White from castling. A sound, less-chaotic answer to the King's Gambit that keeps the position under control while still leading to lively play.
Key ideas
- …Bc5 hits f2/g1 so White can't easily castle kingside; the f4-push has loosened White's king.
- Black aims for solid development (…d6, …Nf6, …Nc6) and to exploit the weakened kingside later.
- White must play energetically in the centre to justify the gambit's loosening move.
Who it suits
1…e5 players who want to meet the King's Gambit soundly without memorising the wild accepted lines.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the King's Gambit Declined move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer