THE GAMBIT DECLINED.
Although, in the majority of Gambits, the defence should obtain, if not an advantage, at least an even game, some players (fearing to give their opponent the chance of a sudden and vigorous attack) decline to accept the Gambit.
There are various modes of refusing the Gambit; the one most frequently resorted to being by playing B to B 4. The game may proceed as under:
| WHITE. | BLACK. | ||
| 1. | P to K 4 | 1. | P to K 4 |
| 2. | P to K B 4 | 2. | B to B 4 |
| 3. | Kt to K B 3 | 3. | P to Q 3 |
| 4. | P to B 3 | ... |
Intending to establish a centre with 5 P to Q 4.
| ... | 4. | B to K Kt 5 | |
| 5. | B to K 2 | ... |
5. P to K R 3, B takes Kt; 6. Q takes B, may also be played.
| ... | 5. | B takes Kt | |
| 6. | B takes B | 6. | Kt to Q B 3 |
| 7. | P to Q Kt 4 | 7. | B to Kt 3 |
| 8. | P to Kt 5 | 8. | Q Kt to K 2 |
| 9. | P to Q 4 | ... |
And White has, so far, carried out his plan of establishing a centre. The position is about even.