ChessDream

    Drag a piece to play a move, or pick one from the list. Arrow keys step through the line.

    Chess Openings

    Queen's Gambit Accepted

    1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 · ECO D20

    Queen's Gambit Accepted position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. White: pawn on d4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on c4.

    Queen's Gambit Accepted is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. It is classified D20 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Queen's Gambit Accepted takes the offered c4 pawn. Black does not intend to hold it — attempting to do so with b5 usually costs more than the pawn is worth — but instead gives up the centre temporarily to develop quickly and strike back with c5 or e5.

    This position can also be reached by 3 other move orders, including 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6.

    Strategic character

    White regains the pawn and builds a strong centre, while Black gets free piece play and a clear plan of undermining that centre. Positions are more open than in the Declined, with less structural tension and more immediate piece activity.

    Who should play it

    Players who prefer active piece play to structural manoeuvring and want less theory than the Declined lines require.

    Variations continuing from this position

    Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Queen's Gambit Accepted?
    The Queen's Gambit Accepted is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. It is classified D20 in the ECO system. The Queen's Gambit Accepted takes the offered c4 pawn. Black does not intend to hold it — attempting to do so with b5 usually costs more than the pawn is worth — but instead gives up the centre temporarily to develop quickly and strike back with c5 or e5.
    What are the moves of the Queen's Gambit Accepted?
    1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. After these moves it is white to move.
    Is the Queen's Gambit Accepted good for beginners?
    Players who prefer active piece play to structural manoeuvring and want less theory than the Declined lines require.
    What variations come from the Queen's Gambit Accepted?
    Named continuations include Queen's Gambit Accepted: Accelerated Mannheim Variation, Queen's Gambit Accepted: Normal Variation, Queen's Gambit Accepted: Old Variation, Queen's Gambit Accepted: Saduleto Variation, Queen's Gambit Accepted: Alekhine Defense. There are 40 named variations reachable from this position in total.

    Study this opening