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 Accepted: Central Variation, Greco Variation
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 b5
This variation arises after Black accepts the Queen's Gambit by capturing on c4, and then attempts to hold onto the pawn with 3...b5. The move 3...b5 is characteristic for its boldness in defending the extra pawn and trying to undermine White's central control indirectly by supporting the c4 pawn.
From Black's perspective, 3...b5 is an attacking and somewhat provocative move, aiming to maintain material advantage and challenge White's center indirectly. However, it also slightly weakens Black's queenside structure, making careful play necessary.
For White, the focus remains on rapid central control and development. White uses the move 3. e4 to assert a strong presence in the center, aiming to exploit Black's extended queenside pawns and gain a lead in development.
Overall, this opening is very much about contesting the center. White aggressively occupies the center with pawns on d4 and e4, while Black tries to hold onto material and counterbalance White's spatial advantage.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Greco Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 23 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Greco Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.