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, McDonnell Defense
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 e5
This variation arises after Black accepts the Queen's Gambit pawn on c4, and then immediately challenges White's strong center by playing ...e5. The McDonnell Defense is characterized by Black's active counterattack in the center rather than a purely defensive approach.
Characteristic: Black's move 3...e5 is a direct strike at White's central pawns, aiming to undermine White's space advantage and open lines for rapid piece development. It is somewhat rare and can lead to sharp, dynamic play.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this is an attacking move, seeking to challenge White's center and seize the initiative early. For White, the position calls for precise play to maintain the strong central presence and exploit the lead in development.
Center Control: This opening directly contests the center from the outset. White initially establishes a strong center with pawns on d4 and e4, while Black immediately challenges it with pawns on d5 and e5, making central tension the defining feature of the position.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, McDonnell Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 27 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, McDonnell Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.