ECO code: D20
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Modern Defense
The opening moves are: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 Nc6. In this line, Black accepts the gambit pawn on c4 and then challenges White's strong central presence by developing the knight to c6 early.
Characteristic of Black's 3...Nc6: This move puts immediate pressure on White's center, particularly targeting the d4 and e4 pawns. It is a modern and dynamic approach that aims to contest central control quickly rather than simply defending.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the approach remains attacking because White seeks to build and maintain a strong pawn center with e4 and d4. As Black, the move is partly defensive—recovering material and contesting the center—but also has an attacking intent by actively developing the knight to challenge White's dominance.
Center Control: Yes, this variation heavily involves central play. White establishes a strong pawn center early, and Black immediately challenges it. The battle for the center is the key theme of this variation.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Modern Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 21 - Move #5 black