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: Classical Defense
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5
This line of the Queen's Gambit Accepted features Black immediately challenging White's center and attempting to undermine White's pawn structure with the ...c5 break. By playing ...c5, Black aims to counterattack in the center rather than simply defend passively.
Characteristic of the move 5...c5: This is a classical and principled way for Black to contest White's central control. It challenges White's d4 pawn and strives for active piece play. It also opens lines for Black’s light-squared bishop and increases central tension.
Attacking or defensive? From White's perspective, the setup is primarily focused on maintaining and building central control and piece development, which is somewhat attacking in nature. Black’s ...c5 move is an active counterattack aiming to disrupt White’s center, so Black is playing dynamically rather than passively defending.
Center control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. White initially claims the center with pawns on d4 and e3, and Black responds with ...d5 and ...c5 to challenge and undermine White's central presence.
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Accepted: Classical Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.