Queen's Gambit Accepted · D24

Main line, after 2... e6, through 5. Bg5

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. Bg5

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as White's avenue and the d-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade. ...dxc4 gives up the centre to gain time against the loose c4-pawn and hit back with ...c5 - an open, piece-driven game rather than a structural one.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. c4 Challenges the pawn on d5 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Queen's Gambit: development and initiative over material.
• 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Queen's Gambit Declined.

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