Gambit: a practical example
The opponent may accept the offered material, decline it, or return it later to complete development. A successful gambit is supported by concrete compensation; the fact that a sacrifice has an opening name does not prove that it is sound.
How to use the idea in your games
Evaluate the resulting position rather than the excitement of the idea. Identify exactly which open lines, active pieces, or threats compensate for the material investment.
A useful study question
Can you explain gambit in your own words, identify it in a position, and describe when the idea does not apply? Test the explanation on a legal board before relying on it.
Connect the ideas
Compensation, Initiative, Queen's Gambit are useful next concepts. Follow the links to compare definitions and examples, then return to the complete chess glossary whenever an unfamiliar term appears.
Sources & further reading
References checked September 5, 2026. Linked services are independent of ChessRankings.com™.