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Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...dxc4/3. e4

< Chess Opening Theory | 1. d4 | 1...d5 | 2. c4 | 2...dxc4
The latest reviewed version was checked on 26 December 2020. There are 5 pending changes awaiting review.
Queen's Gambit Accepted
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)

rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/8/2pPP3/8/PP3PPP/RNBQKBNR b

Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4

Queen's Gambit Accepted

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3.e4

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In this line, white moves immediately to reclaim the "gambit" pawn. The rationale is simple. In most lines of the QGA, white allows black to play ...Nf6 which usually means white has to play f2-f3 in preparation for e3-e4. By playing e2-e4 now, white establishes broad control of the center without losing time. This also has the potential advantage of allowing the c1-bishop to develop unhindered. Also, black is forced to choose a central strategy now or else face being dominated by white's center and development. Black is no worse in these lines, though, than in the classical QGA's, and can obtain counterplay in these lines as well as the others. Here are several options:

  • 3...e5 - The most common reply.
  • 3...c5 - Playing this now can lead to Benoni-like positions.
  • 3...Nf6 - Playing this now can lead to Alekhine-like positions.
  • 3...Nc6 - Takes advantage of the fact white has not played 3. Nf3 to pressurize the d4 pawn.

Trying to hold on to the pawn with 3...b5!? is not advised, as even though the e4 pawn blocks the h1-a8 diagonal, it is still quite risky to hold on to the pawn. After 4. a4! c6 5. axb5 cxb5, the weak diagonal is subject to discovered attacks and queen-bishop batteries. The b5 pawn could soon be in jeopardy and white's attacking opportunities and moderate (but still significant) lead in development gives more than enough compensation for the pawn.

Theory table

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For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4

3456
e4
e5		Nf3
exd4		Bxc4
Nc6		O-O
Be6		=
...
...		...
...		...
Bb4+		Nbd2
Nc6		 +/=
...
...		...
Bb4+		Nc3
exd4		Nxd4
Ne7		 +/=
...
Nf6		e5
Nd5		Bxc4
Nb6		Bd3
Nc6		+/=
...
Nc6		Nf3
Bg4		d5
Ne5		Bf4
Ng6		+/=
...
c5		d5
Nf6		Nc3
e6		Bxc4
exd5		+/=
...
b5!?		a4
c6		axb4
cxb4		Nc3
Qb6		∞
...
...		...
...		...
...		...
a6		=/∞
...
...		...
...		Nc3
b4		Na2
Nf6		=

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References

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v · t · e
Chess openings quick reference
1. e4
1...e5 · Open
2. Nf3
With 2...Nc6:

With other 2nd moves:
2. Other

1...c5 · Sicilian
2... Nf3 · Open Sicilian
With 2...Nc6:

With 2...d6:

With 2...e6:

With other 2nd moves:
Anti-Sicilians
1... other
Caro-Kann
French
Other


1. d4
1...d5 · Closed
2. c4
2. Nc3
2. other
1...Nf6 · Indian
2. c4
With 2...e6:

With 2...g6:

With other 2nd moves for Black:
2. Nf3
2. other
1... other
Flank
Unorthodox
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