Opening Overview
Queen's Gambit Accepted
51 linesAbout This Opening
Queen's Gambit Accepted is a gambit-style opening that prioritizes initiative, piece activity, and practical complications.
The main practical question is whether the side offering material can keep the initiative long enough to justify the concession. Expect open lines, active pieces, and tactical moments around the king and center.
For training, focus on the standard responses, the point where the gambit can be accepted or declined, and the central counterplay that prevents the attack from becoming one-sided.
Key ideas
- Typical theme: activity and initiative over immediate material balance.
- Watch for early tactical shots and forcing move orders.
- Best for players who want sharp, practical positions.
- Study both acceptance and refusal plans so you know the main branches.
Choose a variation
Queen's Gambit Accepted
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Accelerated Mannheim Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Qa4+
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Alekhine System
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 Nf6
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Greco Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 b5
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, McDonnell Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 e5
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, McDonnell Defense, Somov Gambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 e5 4. Bxc4
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Modern Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 Nc6
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Rubinstein Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 c5
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Rubinstein Defense, Yefimov Gambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 c5 4. d5 b5
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Linares Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 c5 4. d5 Nf6 5. Nc3 b5
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Old Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e3
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Old Variation, Billinger Gambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e3 e5 4. Bxc4 exd4 5. Qb3 Qe7 6. a3