One common mistake that players on the white side of the King's Gambit make is when Black declines the gambit, and then play fxe5 grabbing a pawn himself. This is a bad move, and a waste of time, and gives black some tactical possibilities.

White has to realize that by playing f4 early in the game, they have left their king somewhat vulnerable to attack, especially from the black queen on the square h4.

It is very important to play the move Nf3 as soon as possible - normally on the 3rd move of the game. This is because putting the knight on f3 protects the h4 square. There are some variations where white plays 3. Bc4 (This is known as "The Bishop's Gambit"), and Bobby Fischer himself played this variation, but white has to be willing to put up with Qh4+ in this line.

Black will also often play Qh4+ on the second move of the game. 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Qh4+. In this case white can play 3. g3 blocking the check, and forces the Black Queen to move a second time. This may cause a slight weakness in the white kingside, but has also caused Black to waste some time.

Here is a game where white played fxe5 at the wrong time - opening his king up for attack, and was promptly punished. This was a G/90 played at the Tuesday night Denver Chess Club.

In the diagram black played 3. ..Qh4+ and promptly punished white. White is totally lost already. Note that 4. g3 loses to 4. Qxe4+ forking the king and the rook on h1.

Remember: If black declines the gambit, don't grab the black e pawn with your f pawn right away. It is too dangerous

[Event "September 2010 Denver Chess Club Tuesdays"]

[Date "2010.09.14"]

[Round "2"]

[White "Corbett, Tom"]

[Black "Fisch, Dimitriy"]

[Result "0-1"]

[ECO "C31"]

[PlyCount "14"]

[EventType "swiss"]

[EventRounds "4"]



1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5 3. fxe5 Qh4+ 4. Ke2 Qxe4+ 5. Kf2 Bc5+ 6. Kg3 Qxe5+ 7. Kf3

Qh5+ 0-1





