Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System, Steinitz Countergambit

ECO code: D00

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5

Opening Name: Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System, Steinitz Countergambit

Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5

Description: In this line, Black immediately challenges White's center with the move 2...c5, aiming to counterattack the d4 pawn and disrupt White's usual London System setup. The move is characteristic of the Steinitz Countergambit theme, where Black seeks active play and early counterpressure rather than a purely defensive stance.

Characteristics: Black’s 2...c5 move is aggressive and aims to contest the center quickly. For White, the move requires careful handling to maintain central control and preserve the solid setup typical of the London System. White’s Bf4 is part of a flexible setup that supports central and queenside control, but Black’s counterattack challenges this plan early.

Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, this is an attacking move, putting immediate pressure on White’s center. White’s position remains more positional and solid but must respond actively to Black’s challenge to avoid falling behind in central influence.

Center Control: This opening actively contests the center. Black’s 2...c5 strikes directly at White’s d4 pawn, so the battle for central dominance begins early. White aims to hold or reinforce the center, while Black seeks to undermine it quickly.

Opening Preview

This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.

Related Puzzles

Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System, Steinitz Countergambit, and sharpen your opening mastery.

Puzzle 1 of 62 - Move #5 white