TalJechin wrote on 03/13/07 at 19:10:27:


exactly so

it's sound and easy for Black to learn

that said, I'm much more happy as White to see the opponent play 2...Bc5 than 2...exf4

IMJohnCox wrote on 03/13/07 at 14:16:27:


That might indeed be the case, but do you think it is the case?  Would you agree that there is something of a consensus that 2...exf4 is the best way to play against the King's Gambit?  That 2...Bc5 is recommended in two new repertoire books is a little surprising to me.  Even though it's a fully adequate move, I think that some of Black's opportunity is being tossed away.  It would interest me if such a strong player as you disagreed.

Rimfaxe wrote on 03/13/07 at 13:44:12:


I assume you mean 2....Bc5 since 2....Bf5 would be illegal and would blunder a piece to 3. exf5 

Certainly this is not the strongest way of meeting the King's Gambit objectively. If you think that the King's Gambit is weak and are determined to refute it, then you have to start by accepting the gift of the pawn.

However, I personally think 2...Bc5 is a good pratical choice since it is relatively solid and safe and does not give the White gambiteer the kind of wild crazy game he is looking for. Another thing to bear in mind is that even if you prefer to accept the KG, you will have the odd day when someone surprises you with it when you least expect and you cannot be sure if you will remember the theoretical lines of the sharper alternatives on the day. So, it is nice to have a solid fallback option.

I didn't mean to be confusing. Let me try to clarify my post.   

What I was trying to ask was about a starting guide or principles/ideas type of pamphlet. just notes or guidelines about the KG not an actual book.  I was hoping that some of you might have something alrady completed that you wouldn't mind sharing. Markovich, for instance, gave a couple of good pointers in his earlier message. Perhaps he (since he teaches the KG to his students) has something worked up for them to practice with.  MNb (I think unless I've misread his posts) has played the KG fairly often and he may have some notes jotted down that he could share. Just some notes or things most likely faced when playing the KG.

Pinski has a Kings Gambit work for Quality Chess due out soon..........

I dont know much abt 3.Bc4 having been a 3.Nf3 player all my KG life, but i do recall reading somewhere some years ago that 3.Bc4 is white's sharpest response in the KGA (?) Maybe TJ can confirm this??

I personally feel that knowledge on the ramfications of 3.Nf3 esp the Kieseritsky & muzios are essential even if you do not intend to play it, as it really illustrates the basic strategic & tactical themes of the KG quite well. Tho some sources may say otherwise, i still remain unconvinced abt the soundness of the Allgaier.

Having said that, a repertoire based on the KGD must also be studied. 2.Bc5 and the falkbeer are mandatory study.

This thread has gotten a lot more response than the one I started. Thanks everyone for your replies and thanks to Jon for starting this one.  I still think a "starting out guide" would be great and extremely helpful for those newbies like Jon and I to help us get our feet wet with the KG. Am I the only one that thinks this? 

Is King's Gambit for the Creative Aggressor good?