Queen's Gambit Accepted

This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h
8									8
7									7
6									6
5									5
4									4
3									3
2									2
1									1
	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

The Queen's Gambit Accepted, commonly abbreviated to QGA, is a chess opening characterized by the opening moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4. Black's capture of the white c-pawn may also occur one or two moves later, leading to a transposed position (an identical position reached through an alternative sequence of the same moves). If black does not capture the pawn, this leads to the Queen's Gambit Declined. The Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings classifies the Queen's Gambit Accepted under codes D20 to D29.

The Queen's Gambit is not a real gambit, since Black cannot count on keeping the extra pawn. White can force black to give the pawn back by playing 3. Qa4+ Nc6 4. e3. This is not necessarily the best continuation for white, however; since this line will develop the queen prematurely, White usually plays more patiently (see Main variations below).

As Black's 2. ... dxc4 surrenders the centre early on in the game, White will try to seize space in the centre and use it to launch an attack on the black position. Black's game is not devoid of counterchances, however. If the White centre can be kept at bay, Black will try to weaken White's centre pawns, using that to gain an advantage in the ensuing endgame. Usually this will be done by playing ... c5 and ... cxd4 at some stage, and if White responds with an exd4 recapture White will have an isolated pawn on the d-file. Such positions give both players chances to win. If White tries to avoid getting an isolated pawn the centre will be liquidated and a fairly even game will ensue.

The Queen's Gambit Accepted is not the main line of play after 1. d4 d5 2. c4. It is the third most popular option, behind 2. ...e6 (the Queen's Gambit Declined) and 2. ... c6 (the Slav Defense). In both of these variations slow and subtle manoeuvres are necessary to complete development. White will try to exploit an advantage in space and development, while Black will defend the position and push for Queenside counterplay.

Main variations

After 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4

3. Nf3 leads to the main lines of the QGA. White ignores the pawn for the moment, develops a knight and prevents Black from striking at the centre with ... e5. The recovery of the pawn will usually be by means of e3 and Bxc4. White might turn this opening into a real gambit by 3.Nf3 Nf6 (a6 4.e4!?) 4.Nc3 a6 5.e4 though, allowing ...b5.
3. e3 is another common move, particularly in club play. The move prepares immediate recovery of the pawn with the bishop. White may hope for a quick win with the trap 3 ... b5? 4. a4 c6 5. axb5 cxb5??, when 6. Qf3 wins a minor piece at the least. However, it also blocks in the bishop on c1.
3. e4 is a newer line — actually a resurrected classical line — aggressively making a bid for central control which Black will try to undermine.

Main variations

Further reading