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 Accepted
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4
FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/8/2pP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 3
The Queen's Gambit Accepted is characterized by Black accepting the pawn offered by White on c4. By capturing this pawn, Black temporarily gives up control of the center, especially the important d5 square, in exchange for a pawn advantage and hopes to hold on to the extra material or equalize quickly.
From White's perspective, this opening is attacking. White aims to quickly regain the pawn on c4 while establishing strong central control with moves like e4 or Nc3. White's main strategic goal is to dominate the center and use the lead in development to create pressure.
For Black, the move is somewhat defensive and counter-attacking. Black accepts the pawn sacrifice to challenge White's center indirectly, planning to develop pieces smoothly and counterattack White's center later.
Overall, the Queen's Gambit Accepted is a center-focused opening. White fights to control the center squares d4 and e4, while Black tries to undermine and balance this control after gaining the pawn on c4.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Accepted, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 347 - Move #5 white
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Accepted to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.