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.
Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Defense, Gusev Countergambit
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c5 3. cxd5 Nf6
This variation arises when Black responds to White's Queen's Gambit with an immediate counterattack on the center by playing ...c5, followed by the knight developing to f6 after White captures on d5. The move 3...Nf6 is characteristic of the Gusev Countergambit and aims to quickly challenge White's control over the central d5-square while developing a piece actively.
From Black's perspective, this is an active, attacking approach that seeks to undermine White’s center and gain dynamic piece play. White, on the other hand, must be cautious and precise, as Black’s counterplay can generate early pressure.
The opening clearly focuses on contesting the center. Black immediately challenges White’s central pawn on d5 and aims to maintain tension, rather than adopting a purely defensive stance. This makes it an ambitious choice for Black players looking to fight for the initiative.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Defense, Gusev Countergambit, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #10 white
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Defense, Gusev Countergambit to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.