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: Janowski-Larsen Variation
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bg4
This variation arises in the Queen's Gambit Accepted when Black develops the bishop to g4 early, pinning White's knight on f3. The Janowski-Larsen Variation is characterized by Black's active piece play rather than immediate pawn breaks, aiming to challenge White's control of the center through piece pressure.
From Black's perspective, the move ...Bg4 is somewhat aggressive, putting immediate pressure on White's knight and indirectly challenging White's center control by targeting a key defender of d4. For White, the setup remains flexible and focused on solid development and reclaiming the c4 pawn, maintaining a strong central presence.
Overall, this opening features a contest over central control, with White aiming to dominate the center with pawns and pieces, while Black uses piece activity and pinning tactics to undermine White's center and create counterplay.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Janowski-Larsen Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #10 white
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Accepted: Janowski-Larsen Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.