How To Master The Elephant Gambit

Ever played a normal opening only to have your opponent throw a curveball that leaves you scratching your head?

That's exactly what the Elephant Gambit aims to do.

This week, we'll take a look at this wild, offbeat opening that can catch your opponents completely offguard.

Let's ride this elephant into battle.

P.S. Fine, I'll talk about the elephant in the room... If you wanna skip the fluff and just get the cheat sheet now, here's a link. And here's a link for the Ultimate Bundle, our highest value product.​

Elephant Gambit
​1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5

Yep, that's all the moves. Black completely ignores White's threat to the e5 pawn and instead counters with an immediate challenge to White's center.

But now for the real question - why is it called the "Elephant Gambit"?

Some say the two central pawns look like elephant tusks. Others think it's because the opening gives power to the Bishops (which, fun fact, are called 'elephants' in Russian chess).

Generally, the gambit is considered unsound by expert players, but here's the thing – it's perfect for blitz games where your opponent has little time to figure out the correct response.

You shock them with the move and claim a good few seconds of time, as well as encouraging them to make a move that's favourable to you - stealing control of the game and increasing your odds of winning.

So, to quote Pusha T, how do you respond? Two main options.

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3. exd5 Popularity: 56% Black Wins: 47% White Wins: 49% This is the best response and triggers the main line. Black's options are recapturing with the Queen (less preferable), pushing e4 to threaten the Knight, or developing the Bishop to d6.

3. Nxe5 Popularity: 19% Black Wins: 48% White Wins: 49% This is the inferior choice, often encouraging Black to kick the Knight away with Bd6 then recapture the pawn.

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Most Common Moves After 3. exd5

3...e4 Popularity: 56% Black Wins: 52% White Wins: 44%

3...Qxd5 Popularity: 30% Black Wins: 40% White Wins: 56%

3...Nf6 Popularity: 4% Black Wins: 45% White Wins: 52%

Most Common Moves After 3. Nxe5

3...dxe4 Popularity: 39% Black Wins: 45% White Wins: 52%

3...Bd6 Popularity: 33% Black Wins: 53% White Wins: 43%

3...Qe7 Popularity: 12% Black Wins: 52% White Wins: 45%

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Why play this opening?

I'll be honest, this isn't an opening to build your repertoire around. But as a surprise weapon, you should definitely consider it.

It's an unexpected way to respond to a fairly common position that works well in fast games. So if you're a fan of blitz games and stealing the leading position from White, then you should give it a try.

Want help mastering it?

The Elephant Gambit may be the opening you've been missing to take your elo to the next level. The only real way to find out is to give it a try - and there's no better way to practice than with this cheat sheet! This 20-page guide contains everything you need to master it once and for all. Take your opening to the next level by clicking the button below. Shop Now

Give me your feedback

You know the deal. If you've got thoughts, simply hit the reply button and let me know.

And if there's an opening you'd like covered, simply let me know and I'll add it to the schedule!

I'll be back next Tuesday with another chess opening...
Until then, keep climbing!

James
Chess Cheat Sheets
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