One of the oldest 1.d4 openings for White. Evolves into strategic rather than tactical gameplay. Still considered cornerstone of elite players' repertoire
Opening is initial chess stage consisting of established theory. There are 1,327 named openings and variants. Standard moves are called "book moves". Professional players spend years studying openings
White offers pawn to divert black's e-pawn. Black accepts gambit with 2...exf4. Main continuations are 3.Nf3 (Knight's Gambit) and 3.Bc4 (Bishop's Gambit)
Wilhelm Steinitz (1836-1900) was first official World Champion and father of positional chess. Emanuel Lasker (1868-1941) held title for 27 years with flexible play style. Jose Raul Capablanca (1888-1942) won title in 1921, known for intuitive play. Alexander Alekhine (1892-1946) pioneered aggressive opening play and positional strategy
Players have 3-5 minutes total to make moves. Only one hand allowed for both moves and clock. Black chooses clock placement and table side. White starts first move
White initiates by moving queen's pawn 2 spaces forward. Black moves queen's pawn 2 spaces forward. White places pawn in front of queen's bishop 2 spaces forward