Opening Overview
King's Gambit Declined
53 linesAbout This Opening
King's Gambit Declined is a gambit-style opening that prioritizes initiative, piece activity, and practical complications.
The main practical question is whether the side offering material can keep the initiative long enough to justify the concession. Expect open lines, active pieces, and tactical moments around the king and center.
For training, focus on the standard responses, the point where the gambit can be accepted or declined, and the central counterplay that prevents the attack from becoming one-sided.
Key ideas
- Typical theme: activity and initiative over immediate material balance.
- Watch for early tactical shots and forcing move orders.
- Best for players who want sharp, practical positions.
- Study both acceptance and refusal plans so you know the main branches.
Choose a variation
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Charousek Gambit, Morphy Defense
1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4 d5 4. exd5 e4 5. d3 Bb4 6. Bd2 e3
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Hinrichsen Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. d4
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Miles Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 Bc5
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Milner-Barry Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. Nc3
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Modern Transfer
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 exf4
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Nimzowitsch-Marshall Countergambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 c6
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Pickler Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 c6 4. dxc6 Bc5
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Rubinstein Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. Qe2
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Staunton Line
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Alapin Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4 4. d3 Nf6 5. dxe4 Nxe4 6. Nf3 Bc5 7. Qe2 Bf2+ 8. Kd1 Qxd5+ 9. Nfd2
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Charousek Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4 4. d3 Nf6 5. dxe4 Nxe4 6. Qe2
King's Gambit Declined: Falkbeer Countergambit, Charousek Gambit Accepted
1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. exd5 e4 4. d3 Nf6 5. dxe4