Gambits

A gambit is a term used in games, most prominently in chess, to describe a deliberate sacrifice of material, typically a pawn, with the aim of gaining a strategic lead such as rapid development, initiative, or open lines for attack. The word derives from the Italian gambetto, meaning “trip” or “trap,” reflecting the idea of luring an opponent into a disadvantageous line of play.

In chess openings, a gambit is offered at or near the start of the game. If the opponent accepts the sacrifice, the player who offered the gambit hopes to exploit swift development, open files or diagonals, and attacking chances. If the gambit is declined or the sacrificial pawn is not recaptured, the player who offered the gambit may still pursue compensation through piece activity and initiative. Some gambits are designed to be temporary sacrifices, while others aim for long-term positional pressure.

Common chess gambits include the King's Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.f4), the Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4), the Evans Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4), and the Danish Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3). Other named lines encompass various pawn sacrifices and variations on either side, and some gambits have been shown to be sound in modern practice, while others are sharp or risky.

Beyond chess, gambit is used more broadly to describe any planned initial move or sacrifice intended to gain an advantage in a game or negotiation, often with a trade-off between immediate material cost and longer-term strategic benefit.