Gambit
A gambit deliberately offers material, usually a pawn, in exchange for development, initiative, or another positional benefit.
The name alone does not tell you whether the material can be kept safely. Each gambit has its own compensation and tactical conditions.
The King's Gambit offers the f-pawn
After 1.e4 e5 2.f4, White offers the f-pawn to pull Black's e-pawn away from the center and open the f-file. If Black accepts, White must use development and activity before the extra pawn becomes secure.
The opponent may accept or decline
Accepting takes the offered material and tests whether it can be kept safely. Declining avoids that bargain, while a countergambit answers with a material offer of its own.
Starting position · Position 0/6
A gambit is not sound merely because it is dangerous
Some gambits have established compensation, while others rely mainly on an opponent missing a tactical response. Training should include the opponent's safest reply and the plan after the initial surprise has passed.