Queen's Gambit AcceptedD20

Central Variation, McDonnell Defense, Somov Gambit

1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 e5 4. Bxc4

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Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Occupy the center, develop quickly, castle, then pick a wing.

Black's plan

Contest the center before White occupies all of it.

The line, move by move

1. d4d4 occupies the center.
... d5d5 occupies the center.
2. c4c4 strikes at the center.
... dxc4dxc4 captures a pawn, gains space.
3. e4e4 occupies the center.
... e5e5 strikes at the center.
4. Bxc4Bxc4 captures a pawn, develops the bishop and controls d5.

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Other major variations

The complete Queen's Gambit Accepted guide See all 58 variations in the branch map

Central Variation, McDonnell Defense, Somov Gambit (D20) · Queen's Gambit Accepted · OpeningMate