King's Gambit

6. Classical Defense with 2...Bc5 (Declined)

Declining the pawn with 2...Bc5 is one of the most classical choices. White replies by constructing the ideal center with c3 and d4 to evict the bishop.

1.e4 e5 2.f4 Bc5 3.Nf3 d6 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 Bb6 7.Nc3

Move by move

  1. 1.e4 – White's fundamental opening thrust: controls the center with e4, opens paths for bishop and queen, laying the cornerstone for the King's Gambit.
  2. 1...e5 – The classical response: Black stakes a firm claim on the center with e5, stopping White's immediate d4 and enabling smooth piece development.
  3. 2.f4 – The legendary King's Gambit! White offers the f-pawn on move two to deflect Black's e5 pawn, pry open the f-file for the rook, and rule the center.
  4. 2...Bc5 – King's Gambit Declined: Black places the bishop on c5, disputing the long a7-g1 diagonal and making White think twice about kingside castling.
  5. 3.Nf3 – Natural development: the knight hops to f3 controlling d4 and e5, laying the groundwork for a massive pawn center with c3 followed by d4.
  6. 3...d6 – Black shores up the c5 bishop and center with d6, stabilizing the position while avoiding the sharp, tactical waters of the accepted gambit.
  7. 4.c3 – Crucial preparatory thrust: White plays c3 to support the impending d2-d4 expansion, intending to evict Black's bishop with a gain of time.
  8. 4...Nf6 – Black develops the knight to f6 to pressure e4 and prepare castling, attempting to hinder White's impending central pawn steamroller.
  9. 5.d4 – The grand central push d4! White strikes simultaneously at the c5 bishop and Black's center, unlocking devastating attacking pathways.
  10. 5...exd4 – Black must capture on d4 to avoid losing the bishop, but this opens the center to the overwhelming advantage of White's active army.
  11. 6.cxd4 – Flawless recapture: White re-establishes the ideal d4-e4 central pawn tandem, chasing away the c5 bishop and monopolizing space on the board.
  12. 6...Bb6 – Black's bishop retreats to b6 to keep an eye on f2, but leaves White in undisputed command of the center with superior development tempos.
  13. 7.Nc3 – Impeccable piece development: the knight steps to c3 protecting e4 and controlling d5, securing a clear and enduring positional plus for White.

How to exploit the position

Counter the declined gambit with central force

Master tips

The perfect center against the c5 bishop

If Black declines the gambit with 2...Bc5, build the ideal center with c3 and d4

Model games