Queen's Gambit Accepted
Also called the QGA.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4
A defense for Black
Take the pawn, give it back for free play.
Show me the opening
0 / 4 moves
The idea
Black accepts the gambit pawn, temporarily giving up the centre to get quick development. The idea is not to hold the c4 pawn but to use the time gained to develop pieces freely.
The plan
After taking on c4, play ...Nf6, ...e6, and ...c5 to fight for the centre. Give back the pawn when White plays e3 and Bxc4, and use the open lines for active rook play.
What to play next
After White plays Nf3 and e3, Black develops the knight to f6 and plays ...e6. Allow White to recapture on c4 and castle. Then play ...c5 to challenge White's centre and ...a6 to prepare ...b5, pushing the bishop back. The position is dynamically equal with active piece play for both sides.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 6.O-O a6
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 12 moves
One tip for beginners
After taking the c4 pawn, don't try to hold it with ...b5 or ...a6. Just develop naturally and let White take it back - you'll have a healthy, equal game.
What to watch out for
Holding the pawn with ...b5 is possible but risky. White gains rapid development with e3 and Bxc4 and the extra tempo becomes dangerous.
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