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 3. Nf3 Nf6
Description: The Queen's Gambit Accepted (QGA) arises when Black accepts White's pawn offer on c4. By playing 2...dxc4, Black temporarily grabs a pawn but relinquishes direct control of the center. White's move 3. Nf3 develops a knight, aiming to regain the pawn and maintain strong central presence. Black responds with 3...Nf6, developing a piece and preparing to challenge White's center.
Characteristic: The key feature of the QGA is Black's early acceptance of the c4 pawn, leading to a dynamic battle over central control. Black aims to hold onto the pawn briefly or quickly undermine White’s center, while White focuses on rapid development and reclaiming the center.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this opening is generally attacking, as White seeks to quickly develop pieces and regain the central initiative. Black’s play is more solid and somewhat defensive initially, focusing on development and counterplay rather than immediate attack.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. White offers the c4 pawn to distract Black’s pawn from the center, aiming to seize central space with pawns and pieces. Black, by accepting the pawn, temporarily cedes central dominance but plans to challenge it with active piece play.
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 26 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Accepted to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.