Queen's Gambit Accepted: Gunsberg Defense position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 c5. White: pawn on d4, knight on f3, 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, 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 e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on c5, pawn on c4.
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Gunsberg Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 c5. It is classified D21 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.
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.
This line is a variation within the Queen's Gambit Accepted family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 c5.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Gunsberg Defense?
The Queen's Gambit Accepted: Gunsberg Defense is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 c5. It is classified D21 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: Gunsberg Defense?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 c5. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Gunsberg Defense good for beginners?
Players who prefer active piece play to structural manoeuvring and want less theory than the Declined lines require.