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: Normal Variation
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3
This variation of the Queen's Gambit Accepted features White developing the knight to f3 immediately after Black captures the c4 pawn. The move 3. Nf3 is characteristic because it aims to regain control of the center quickly while preparing to challenge Black's pawn structure without rushing to recapture the pawn on c4.
From White’s perspective, this move is attacking in nature as it supports central control and prepares for rapid development, putting pressure on Black’s position. For Black, the opening tends to be more defensive initially, aiming to hold onto the extra pawn or complete development safely.
The opening does attack the center, with White focusing on maintaining strong presence on d4 and e4 squares, leveraging piece activity rather than immediate pawn recaptures to challenge Black's setup.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Normal Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 39 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Accepted: Normal Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.