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: Classical Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5
King's Gambit Declined: Classical Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d6 4. c3
King's Gambit Declined: Classical Variation, Euwe Attack
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d6 4. c3 Bg4 5. fxe5 dxe5 6. Qa4+
King's Gambit Declined: Classical Variation, Rotlewi Countergambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d6 4. b4
King's Gambit Declined: Classical Variation, Rubinstein Countergambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d6 4. c3 f5
King's Gambit Declined: Classical Variation, Walthoffen Attack
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Qh5
King's Gambit Declined: Classical, Hanham Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d6 4. Nc3 Nd7
King's Gambit Declined: Classical, Réti Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d6 4. c3 f5 5. fxe5 dxe5 6. d4 exd4 7. Bc4
King's Gambit Declined: Classical, Soldatenkov Variation
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5 3. Nf3 d6 4. fxe5
King's Gambit Declined: Classical, Svenonius Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. f4 d6 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3 exf4
King's Gambit Declined: Hobbs-Zilbermints Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Nc6 3. Nf3 g5 4. fxg5 h6
King's Gambit Declined: Keene Defense
1. e4 e5 2. f4 Qh4+ 3. g3 Qe7