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, Main Line
This line arises after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O a6. Black accepts the gambit pawn on c4 early on and aims to challenge White’s central control while preparing ...b5 to support the pawn on c4 or expand on the queenside.
Characteristic of 6...a6: This move is a preparatory step typical in the Classical Defense of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted. It prevents White’s pieces from jumping to b5 and supports a potential ...b5 advance, which helps Black maintain the extra pawn and gain queenside space.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the approach is generally attacking—White focuses on rapid development and central control to exploit Black’s pawn structure and piece placement. Black’s setup with ...a6 is more defensive and positional, aiming to solidify the queenside and counterattack at the right moment.
Center Control: This opening line strongly contests the center. White opens with d4 and c4 to dominate the center, and Black’s moves like ...d5 and ...c5 directly challenge White’s central presence. The exchange on c4 and subsequent moves lead to a dynamic battle for central influence.
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Accepted: Classical Defense, Main Line to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.