King's Gambit Accepted: Philidor Gambit (C38)

The Philidor Gambit is a variation of the King's Gambit Accepted, catalogued as ECO C38. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 Bg7 5. h4, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file.

On the King's Gambit Accepted generally: A romantic opening where White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and attacking chances.

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King's Gambit Accepted: Philidor Gambit — position after h4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 Bg7 5. h4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2f4exf4
3Nf3g5
4Bc4Bg7
5h4

ECO: C38

Stockfish: -0.74 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related King's Gambit Accepted lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Philidor Gambit?

The Philidor Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 Bg7 5. h4. It is a variation of the King's Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO C38.

What is the ECO code for the Philidor Gambit?

The Philidor Gambit is ECO C38. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the King's Gambit Accepted.

Is the Philidor Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 g5 4. Bc4 Bg7 5. h4 at -0.74 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Philidor Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the f-file.