ECO code: D24
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Accepted (QGA): 4.Nc3 a6 5.a4
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 a6 5. a4
This line arises in the Queen's Gambit Accepted when Black plays 4...a6, aiming to prepare ...b5 to hold onto the c4-pawn. White responds with 5.a4, a characteristic move that immediately challenges Black's intention of expanding on the queenside and securing the pawn on c4.
Characteristic of 5.a4: This move is a direct attempt to prevent Black's ...b5 pawn push, which would support Black's grip on the extra pawn. By playing a4, White undermines Black's queenside structure and keeps Black's queenside expansion under control.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, 5.a4 is an attacking move as it aims to restrict Black's counterplay and regain the pawn with pressure on Black's queenside. For Black, the move is somewhat defensive since it slows down their intended pawn expansion plan.
Center Control: The opening continues to focus on central tension. While the pawn on d5 has been exchanged off early, both sides contest the center through piece play and control of key squares. White’s move 5.a4 indirectly supports central control by limiting Black's queenside counterplay, which could otherwise help Black challenge White’s center later.
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 QGA: 4.Nc3 a6 5.a4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #9 black