The King's Gambit Declined arises after 1.e4 e5 2.f4 Bc5 (ECO C30). Rather than take the pawn on f4, Black quietly develops the bishop to c5, aiming it at the diagonal towards g1 that f4 has weakened.
It is a reliable way to play against the King's Gambit: Black keeps a solid position and denies White the activity wanted for the sacrificed pawn. One important subtlety: castling short is now risky for White because of the bishop on c5.
The Declined is the choice of anyone who would rather not enter the wild complications of the Accepted and prefers firm, comprehensible play.
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It is the mating side to move. Find mate in one.
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