Elephant Gambit
What is the Elephant Gambit?
The Elephant Gambit is a chess opening that begins with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5. It is classified under ECO C40 and has 4 named variations. Black chooses it with the move d5.
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5
ECO: C40
Chosen by: Black
Main variations
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 Bd6
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 e4
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nxe5 dxe4 4. Bc4 Qg5
All 4 variations
| ECO | Variation | Moves |
|---|---|---|
| C40 | Main line | 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 |
| C40 | Maróczy Gambit | 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 Bd6 |
| C40 | Paulsen Countergambit | 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 e4 |
| C40 | Wasp Variation | 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. Nxe5 dxe4 4. Bc4 Qg5 |
How to learn an opening
Learn the ideas before the moves: where the pieces go, which pawn breaks matter and what the typical middlegame plans are. Then play it, and after each game look up the point where you or your opponent left the known moves. MentoChess shows that point automatically for every game you import.
Opening lessons: Three golden opening rules · Scholar’s mate and how to stop it · Italian Game: plans, not just moves · Answering 1.d4: the Queen’s Gambit Declined · Meeting the Sicilian with 2.c3 · From moves to structures