Queen's Gambit Accepted: Normal Variation

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Accepted is a bold response where Black captures the c4 pawn to gain space and force White to prove their central control. Unlike many defensive lines, this leads to an open game where piece activity and precise timing define the battle for both sides.

1. d4White

White begins with d4, the most common alternative to e4. This move immediately challenges the center and prepares for a strategic battle. You'll often see this lead to the Queen's Gambit or various Indian Defenses.

1... d5Black · your move

Respond by moving your pawn to d5. This mirrors White's control of the center and prevents them from playing e4 easily, establishing a symmetrical and sturdy pawn structure.

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 offering a pawn to lure Black's d-pawn away from the center. White could also choose the London System with Bf4 or the Chigorin Variation with Nc3.

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 remove White's central presence and prepare to develop your pieces rapidly while White spends time trying to recover the material.

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, a flexible developing move that stops any quick e5 counter-strikes. White could also try the Accelerated Mannheim with Qa4+ to win the pawn back immediately, or the aggressive Saduleto Variation with e4.

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... Nf6Black · your move

Bring your knight to f6. This is a natural developing move that controls the e4 and d5 squares, keeping your options open while you wait to see how White tries to reclaim the c4 pawn.

Other paths here: Bg4 (QGA: 3.Nf3 Bg4) · Nd7 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Godes Variation) · c5 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Gunsberg Defense) · e6 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Rosenthal Variation)

4. e3White

White plays e3, preparing to recapture the pawn on c4 with the bishop. This is the Normal Variation. White sometimes tries the Mannheim Variation with Qa4+ or the Fianchetto Variation with g3 to put pressure on the long diagonal.

Other paths here: g3 (QGA: 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3) · Qa4+ (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Mannheim Variation) · Nc3 (Queen's Gambit Accepted: Showalter Variation)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich with possibilities. White will soon recapture on c4 and look to build a strong center with Nc3 and O-O. Black should focus on challenging that center with moves like e6, a6, and eventually c5, aiming for active piece play and a timely counter-strike against White's d4 pawn.

• f1-c4 Recapture the pawn and develop the bishop
• e7-e6 Solidify the center and open the bishop
• c7-c5 Strike at the white d4 pawn
• e1-g1 Ensure king safety through kingside castling