Queen's Gambit
The Queen's Gambit is a queen-pawn opening in which White offers the c-pawn to challenge Black's pawn on d5. White offers a flank pawn to challenge Black's central pawn and gain space for the pieces. Black can accept the pawn or support d5. The resulting pawn structure, rather than simply recovering the sacrificed pawn, determines the next plan.
Opening moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4
White’s plan
Develop and challenge d5. After dxc4, compare recovering the pawn with building a center using e4; check the concrete move order first.
Black’s plan
Develop and contest the center. After accepting the pawn, avoid keeping it at the expense of piece activity and king safety.
Ideas behind the moves
d4
d4: d4 claims space and opens the dark-squared bishop. Black responds with d5.
c4
c4: c4 offers a wing pawn to put pressure on the center. Black responds with e6.
Nc3
Nc3: Nc3 increases pressure on d5 and supports e4 in suitable positions. Black responds with Nf6.
Three mistakes to watch for
- Trying to recover the c4 pawn immediately at any cost.
- Holding an extra pawn with repeated flank-pawn moves before developing.
- Exchanging central pawns without considering the resulting isolated or hanging pawns.
An example practice line
This is one study continuation. Your opponent can choose other replies; learn the plan as well as the moves.
Variations to explore
Queen's Gambit · Accepted
Practice this line →Queen's Gambit Declined
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nc6 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 O-O 7. Rc1 h6 8. Bh4
Practice this line →Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 Be7 7. Bd3 Nbd7 8. Nge2 O-O 9. O-O h6 10. Bh4 Re8 11. Qc2
Practice this line →Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Kmoch Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3 cxd4 8. cxd4 Bb4+ 9. Bd2 Bxd2+ 10. Qxd2 O-O 11. Bb5
Practice this line →
Common questions
What is Queen's Gambit?
Queen's Gambit is a chess opening. One standard move order is 1. d4 d5 2. c4.
How can I practice this opening?
Start with the main line and its explanations, recall it on the board, then add opponent replies and review the positions you found difficult.
Related openings
Content sources
- Opening names and routes use the Lichess opening database, released under CC0. Lichess chess-openings · CC0
- Position scores are prepared with Stockfish 18. They describe the recorded position, not your rating or a guaranteed result. Stockfish
- Move explanations and practice plans are prepared for this trainer. Translated lesson text is a draft and may need editorial corrections.