blackD20-D29

Queen's Gambit Accepted

The Queen's Gambit Accepted (1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4) takes the offered pawn. Black doesn't try to hold it but uses the tempo White spends recovering it to develop quickly and create counterplay.

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Variations

About the Queen's Gambit Accepted

The QGA has been rehabilitated in modern chess after being considered slightly dubious for years. Black captures on c4 not to hold the pawn but to develop rapidly while White recovers it. After 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4, Black plays ...c5 to challenge the center. The QGA leads to open, dynamic positions where both sides have chances. It has been used successfully by Kramnik, Anand, and many other top players.

Key Ideas

  • 2...dxc4 accepts — don't try to hold the pawn
  • Develop quickly while White recovers the pawn
  • ...c5 is the key central break after White plays e3-Bxc4
  • ...a6 and ...b5 can expand on the queenside
  • Open positions reward active piece play

Related Openings

Queen's GambitQueen's Gambit DeclinedSlav DefenseCatalan Opening

Ready to master the Queen's Gambit Accepted?

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