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
Queen's Gambit Accepted
Accept the gambit pawn and get an open, playable middlegame. A reliable Black defense.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4
What is the Queen's Gambit Accepted?
The Queen's Gambit Accepted starts with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4, where Black takes the gambit pawn instead of declining with 2...e6 or 2...c6. Despite the name, it's rarely a real sacrifice, White regains the c4 pawn with 3.Nf3, 3.e3, and 4.Bxc4. What Black gets in return: a free light-squared bishop (unlike the QGD's blocked Bc8) and faster development. The Queen's Gambit has been analyzed since the late 15th century (Lucena, 1497) and remains a mainstay of elite chess, from Capablanca to Carlsen.
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
Queen's Gambit Declined
The bulletproof answer to 1.d4. Rock-solid structure and World Championship pedigree.
For White
London System
The ultimate low-maintenance opening. One setup against everything.
For Black
Nimzo-Indian Defense
Aron Nimzowitsch's hypermodern masterpiece. Control the center with pieces, not pawns.
Deep dive
Read our full Queen's Gambit Accepted guide →
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