Queen's Gambit Accepted: Godes Variation

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Accepted is a bold way to challenge White's central control by immediately capturing the c4-pawn. In the Godes Variation, Black uses an early knight maneuver to d7 to support the center and prepare for a solid, flexible setup that avoids the more theoretical main lines.

1. d4White

White plays d4, the most common way to start a closed game. By occupying the center, White invites a strategic battle. Black has many ways to respond, including the solid d5, the flexible Nf6 (the Indian Defenses), or even the aggressive e5 Englund Gambit.

1... d5Black · your move

Push your pawn to d5. By matching White's central presence, you prevent White from playing e4 and establish your own claim to the center. This sets the stage for a symmetrical struggle where piece activity and structure will be key.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, the signature move of the Queen's Gambit. White is essentially offering a pawn to lure Black's d-pawn away from the center. Other options like the London System with Bf4 or the Chigorin with Nc3 offer a slower, more piece-oriented approach.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Amazon Attack) · e4 (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit) · e3 (Queen's Pawn Game) · Bf4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System)

2... dxc4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on c4. By accepting the gambit, you temporarily win a pawn and force White to spend time recovering it. This opens the game up and allows you to develop your pieces more freely in the coming moves.

Other paths here: c5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Defense) · Bf5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense) · Nf6 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense) · b5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Zilbermints Gambit)

3. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, the most flexible and popular response to the acceptance. It develops a piece and stops the e5 break. White could also try e4 to seize the center immediately or e3 to prepare the bishop's capture on c4, but the knight move is the most solid.

Other paths here: Nc3 (QGA: 3.Nc3) · Qa4+ (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Accelerated Mannheim Variation) · e3 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Old Variation) · e4 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Saduleto Variation)

3... Nd7Black · your move

Develop your knight to d7. This is the Godes Variation, where you prepare to support your center and potentially reroute the knight to b6 to defend c4 or put pressure on d4. It is a patient move that avoids the sharper lines of the Alekhine Defense.

Other paths here: Bg4 (QGA: 3.Nf3 Bg4) · c5 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Gunsberg Defense) · e6 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Rosenthal Variation) · b5 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Slav Gambit)

Where you stand

The position is strategically rich. White usually tries to seize the center with e4 and reclaim the c4-pawn with the light-squared bishop. Black's plan involves challenging that center with c5 or e5, while the knight on d7 often finds a home on b6 to harass White's pieces and maintain pressure on the queenside.

• f1-c4 Capture the c4 pawn to restore material balance
• e2-e4 Seize the center and open lines for bishops
• d7-b6 Reposition the knight to pressure c4 and d5
• c7-c5 Strike at the center to challenge White's d4 pawn