Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...d5/3. exd5/3...e4

Elephant Gambit Elephant Gambit 3...e4 · Elephant Gambit: Paulsen Countergambit Black pushes forward with 3...e4, the Paulsen Countergambit. Named after Louis Paulsen, a 19th-century German master known for his deep opening ideas, this bold thrust kicks the knight and aims to seize the initiative. By sacrificing a central pawn, Black hopes to disrupt White’s development and open lines for rapid piece activity. While objectively risky, this line can catch unprepared opponents off guard and lead to sharp, tactical battles. Precise play is required from White to avoid letting Black's central space advantage become dangerous. Theory table 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d5 3. exd5 e4 Elephant Gambit