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.
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4
Description: The Queen's Gambit is a classical opening where White offers a pawn on c4 to challenge Black's control of the center. By playing 2. c4, White aims to undermine Black’s central pawn on d5 and gain greater influence over the center squares. This move is characteristic for its strategic intent to control the center indirectly rather than occupying it immediately.
Characteristic: White temporarily sacrifices the c4 pawn to put pressure on Black’s d5 pawn and open lines for development, especially for the queen's bishop.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, the Queen's Gambit is an attacking opening focused on gaining central dominance and active piece play. Black’s response can be either defensive by holding the pawn or counter-attacking by accepting the gambit.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests control of the center, with White aiming to dominate the central squares via pawn pressure and piece activity.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1416 - Move #4 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.