Main Line (3.Nf3 Nf6)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4
White regains the pawn. Black develops with ...c5...a6...b5...Bb7, and fights for ...c5-c4 or ...d5 breaks. Solid and reliable.
For White· ECO D20–D29· intermediate
Gambito de Dama Aceptado
Tomar el peón de c4 y liberar el alfil de casillas claras: defensa activa a 1.d4.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4
What is the Gambito de Dama Aceptado?
El Gambito de Dama Aceptado surge tras 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. A diferencia del QGD, las negras capturan el peón y aceptan ceder temporalmente el centro a cambio del desarrollo libre del alfil de c8 hacia f5 o g4. Las blancas recuperan el peón con Axc4 (tras 3.Cf3 y 4.e3 o 4.e4), y el juego pasa a estructuras parecidas al QGD con colores invertidos. Defensa fiable jugada por Carlsen y Anand: más dinámica que el QGD, menos teórica que la Eslava.
Main variations
Each variation below comes with a diagram and the main plan. Click "Train this opening" to drill every line with spaced repetition.
Central Variation (3.e4)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4
White claims the entire center. Sharp play after 3...Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 or 3...e5 (counter-attack). Requires preparation from both sides.
Alekhine Variation (3...a6)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 a6
Black prepares ...b5 to hold the c4 pawn. A flexible but slower system. White plays 4.e3 and chases the c4 pawn.
How deep should you study this?
Below 1400
If you face 1.d4 d5 2.c4, just take with 2...dxc4, it's the simplest response. Develop your pieces naturally and don't try to hold the c4 pawn.
1400–1800
Study the ...c5 plan in the Main Line. Black's main break is ...c5-c4 at the right moment.
1800+
Learn the Central Variation (3.e4) defense carefully. Also add the Alekhine Variation with 3...a6 to your repertoire for variety.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Queen's Gambit a real sacrifice?
No, White always recovers the c4 pawn with 3.e3 and 4.Bxc4 (or 3.Nf3 and later e3). Attempts to hold the pawn with ...b5 leave Black with structural weaknesses on the queenside.
Should Black accept or decline the Queen's Gambit?
Both are fully playable. QGA (accepting) is faster, Black gets piece activity and avoids the French Bishop problem. QGD (declining with 2...e6) is solid but slower. Choose QGA for active play, QGD for rock-solid structure.
What is the best QGA variation?
The Main Line with 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 is the most reliable. Black plays for ...a6...b5...Bb7 and fights for a ...c5-c4 break.
How does the QGA compare to the Slav Defense?
Both avoid the French-style blocked bishop. The Slav (2...c6) keeps the d5 pawn solid but limits Black's central flexibility. The QGA gives up the center temporarily but gets faster development. Most modern masters prefer the QGA or Slav over the QGD for dynamic play.
Is the Queen's Gambit played at the top level?
Constantly. From Capablanca to Kramnik, Anand, Carlsen, and Caruana, the Queen's Gambit (in all forms) remains the main 1.d4 battleground at every World Championship match.
Related openings
For Black
Gambito de Dama Rehusado
La defensa más sólida y jugada contra 1.d4, estrategia clásica en su mejor versión.
For White
Sistema Londres
Un esquema universal contra todas las defensas negras: poca teoría, planes repetibles, arma moderna de Carlsen.
For Black
Defensa Nimzo-India
La defensa de élite contra 1.d4: clavada del caballo de c3 para desequilibrios estructurales inmediatos.
Deep dive
Read our full Gambito de Dama Aceptado guide →
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