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The best chess gambits

A gambit gives up material, usually a pawn, for time, open lines or a stronger center. The best gambits leave the opponent with real problems even after the most accurate defense; the rest rely on traps. Below are the most played gambits for each side, with what White or Black gets in return.

Gambits for White

  1. King's Gambit

    1. e4 e5 2. f4

    The f-pawn for the f-file and a strong center. Black can return the pawn at the right moment, but must know how.

    660k games · White scores 53%52%45%

  2. Italian Game: Evans Gambit

    1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5 4. b4

    The b-pawn for time to play c3 and d4. A favorite of the romantic era, still sound enough for strong players.

    40k games · White scores 54%53%44%

  3. Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit

    1. e4 c5 2. d4

    A pawn for development and open c- and d-files against the Sicilian.

    434k games · White scores 51%49%47%

  4. Danish Gambit

    1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4 3. c3

    Up to two pawns for two bishops aimed at Black’s king.

    153k games · White scores 56%54%43%

  5. Vienna Game: Vienna Gambit

    1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4

    f4 against 2...Nf6, with Nc3 already played. The more solid relative of the King’s Gambit.

    87k games · White scores 58%56%41%

  6. Blackmar-Diemer Gambit

    1. d4 d5 2. e4

    A pawn for a kingside attack along the f-file, against 1...d5.

    268k games · White scores 52%51%46%

Gambits for Black

  1. Ruy Lopez: Marshall Attack

    1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. c3 d5

    8...d5 gives a pawn for a lasting attack on White’s king. Strong enough that many White players avoid it with 8. a4 or 8. h3.

    4,541 games · Black scores 54%42%51%

  2. Benko Gambit

    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5

    A queenside pawn for open files and long-term pressure, often worth more in the endgame than the pawn.

    35k games · Black scores 52%45%50%

  3. Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit

    1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5

    A center pawn for a cramping wedge on d4 and quick development.

    71k games · Black scores 48%50%46%

  4. Budapest Gambit

    1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5

    2...e5 hits d4 at once, and Black often wins the pawn back on e5 with active pieces.

    64k games · Black scores 50%48%47%

  5. Englund Gambit

    1. d4 e5

    1...e5 against 1. d4. Unsound against good defense, but full of traps and very popular online.

    922k games · Black scores 49%49%47%

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