user3757: According to Merriam Webster's Dictionary, a gambit is

a chess opening in which a player risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position.

But I was wondering, why do we use the word 'gambit'? Where does it come from? How we came to use it?

user7297: The name 'gambit' was coined in the 16th century already by Ruy López. He derived it from the old Italian expression

dare il gambetto

(literally: 'to give the leg'). It means 'to trip (someone) over' - gambits were often used in attempt to win a game quickly.

3757: <p>According to Merriam Webster's Dictionary, a gambit is</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>a chess opening in which a player risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>But I was wondering, why do we use the word 'gambit'? Where does it come from? How we came to use it?</p>
 7297: <p>The name <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambit" rel="noreferrer">'gambit'</a> was coined in the <em>16th century</em> already by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruy_L%C3%B3pez_de_Segura" rel="noreferrer">Ruy López</a>. He derived it from the old Italian expression</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>dare il gambetto</p>
</blockquote>

<p>(literally: 'to give the leg'). It means 'to trip (someone) over' - gambits were often used in attempt to win a game quickly.</p>
