Who Still Uses the King’s Gambit?

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The King’s Gambit: daring, romantic, and mostly… extinct? Not quite. While it’s no longer a staple in elite chess circles, this fiery opening still finds a home in the repertoires of bold players, especially those who value chaos over caution.

A Romantic Relic?

The King’s Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.f4) is one of the oldest recorded openings in chess, dating back to at least the 16th century. It evokes images of swashbuckling 19th-century masters tossing pieces across the board in search of glory, and often disaster.

By offering the f-pawn early, White aims to draw Black’s e-pawn away from the center and unleash a rapid attack. It’s dramatic, tactical, and risky. That risk, however, is the reason it faded from top-level play. With modern defensive techniques and engine-backed prep, most grandmasters prefer more solid paths to advantage.

So… who still uses it?

The King’s Gambit Today: Not Dead Yet

Despite its decline at the highest levels, the King’s Gambit still thrives in certain corners of the chess world:

1. Club Players & Streamers

Amateur and club-level players love the King’s Gambit for its aggressive potential and ability to throw opponents off balance. It’s a surprise weapon that often leads to unfamiliar territory, a huge advantage when your opponent is relying on memorized lines.

Popular chess streamers like GM Simon Williams (aka “The Ginger GM”) champion the King’s Gambit in entertaining blitz content and educational videos. His motto? “Attack first, think later.”

2. Occasional Grandmaster Appearances

A handful of GMs still dust off the King’s Gambit from time to time:

  • Hikaru Nakamura, one of the world’s best blitz players, has flirted with it in online events.
  • Baskaran Adhiban used it memorably in the 2017 Tata Steel tournament and won.
  • Nigel Short, a former World Championship challenger, has played it as a nostalgic throwback.
  • Joseph Gallagher and Alexei Fedorov have made it part of their occasional over-the-board arsenal.
  • And Magnus Carlsen. Yes Carlsen did that many times and you can check one of his King’s Gambit masterpieces below:

Still, none of these players use it as a primary weapon. At best, it’s a spicy sideline.

Vasyl Ivanchuk – the King of King’s Gambit

Ivanchuk, often dubbed “Chucky” by fans, is a living legend known for his creative genius and willingness to dive into chaotic waters. In 2016, he stunned the chess world by beating super-GM Ding Liren using the King’s Gambit in an official game, a result that would be unthinkable for most top players.

But Ivanchuk wasn’t done. Four years later, during the 2020 Chess24 Legends of Chess tournament, he deployed the King’s Gambit again, this time defeating Peter Leko, another elite grandmaster. These weren’t just casual games or blitz flings. These were serious fights, played at high levels against opponents known for precision and preparation.

The chess community took notice. One fan joked that “Chucky is not restricted by normal mortal laws,” and another summed up what many were thinking: “I understand playing King’s Gambit for fun. But against super GMs? Jesus. Nerves of steel.” Even Magnus Carlsen was impressed, reacting on stream: “Did Chucky actually win with the King’s Gambit? That’s awesome!”

For GM Jan Gustafsson, a known King’s Gambit skeptic, seeing Ivanchuk win with the opening forced a moment of reflection. He reportedly admitted on stream that despite his previous deep analysis concluding the King’s Gambit was “busted,” Ivanchuk’s success made him reconsider.

Why Some Still Use It

Even with all the theoretical drawbacks, the King’s Gambit has enduring appeal:

  • Surprise Value: Most opponents haven’t studied it deeply.
  • Tactical Fireworks: The opening invites wild, double-edged positions.
  • Psychological Edge: Playing it says “I’m here to fight.”

And let’s be honest: it’s just fun.

But What About the “Refutations”?

Bobby Fischer famously declared, “The King’s Gambit is busted. It loses by force,” and proposed his own anti-gambit system (3…d6). While engines agree that Black can equalize or better with accurate play, the idea of a forced refutation remains a myth in practical terms.

Even in the 2020s, mistakes happen, especially in rapid and blitz formats. That’s where the King’s Gambit can still shine.

Final Verdict

King’s Gambit is alive in the hearts of romantic players, weekend warriors, and content creators who value creativity and chaos more than cold, engine-approved lines. And every once in a while, it even shows up in serious play, a relic from another era, still fighting for relevance.

So if you’re tired of Berlin draws and Petroff slogs… dust off 2.f4. Just don’t blame us if you get checkmated in 15 moves.