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THE CHESS-PLAYER's

GAMBIT

Is derived from an Italian phrase in wrestling, and signifies a feint by which the adversary is tripped up. In Chess it is used to designate those openings in which a Pawn is sacrificed at the beginning, for the purpose of leading the enemy into difficulties. The most important Gambit, and one which includes several others, is called the King's Gambit, begun as follows :—

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K.'s 4th 1. P. to K.'s 4th
2. P. to K. B.'s 4th 2. P. takes P.

The Pawn thus offered for capture by White is called the Gambit Pawn, and when it is taken by the adversary the opening becomes a Gambit.

GIUOCO PIANO.

An instructive modification of the King's Kt.'s game, beginning thus :—

WHITE. BLACK.
1. P. to K.'s 4th 1. P. to K.'s 4th
2. K. Kt. to B.'s 3rd 2. Q. Kt. to B.'s 3rd
3. K. B. to Q. B.'s 4th 3. K. B. to Q. B.'s 4th

TAKING A PAWN EN PASSANT OR IN PASSING.

Is the privilege which a Pawn has of taking an adverse Pawn which passes it. by making two steps on the first move.[1]

QUEENING A PAWN OR ADVANCING A PAWN TO QUEEN.

When a player has managed to advance a Pawn to the the eighth or extreme square of a file, it assumes the rank and power of a Queen, or any other officer he thinks best ; and this called Queening a Pawn. (See the 21st law.)

PASSED PAWN.

A Pawn which cannot be obstructed in its march by any adverse Pawn, is said to be a Passed Pawn.

  1. ↑ When learning the moves of a player, the young practitioner should make himself thoroughly master of this peculiarity, which is a constant source of error and misunderstanding among the inexperienced.
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