ECO code: C40
Elephant Gambit: 3.Nxe5
The Elephant Gambit arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nxe5. In this line, Black immediately challenges White's central control by offering a pawn sacrifice early on. White accepts the gambit pawn on e5, grabbing material but allowing Black to rapidly develop and open lines for counterplay.
Characteristic: This gambit is known for its aggressive and somewhat risky nature. Black aims to undermine White's center quickly and gain active piece play in return for the sacrificed pawn.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this is an attacking choice, seeking immediate counterattack against White's center and position. For White, accepting the gambit and playing 3.Nxe5 keeps the initiative and material advantage but requires careful play to consolidate.
Center Control: The Elephant Gambit is very much about contesting the center from the start. Black challenges White's dominance in the center by striking at the e4-pawn and opening lines, making it a dynamic fight over central control.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Elephant Gambit: 3.Nxe5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 36 - Move #5 white