The Queen's Gambit continues to be extremely popular among elite players today. Alekhine and Capablanca employed the Queen's Gambit in all but two rounds of their 1927 World Championship match. In fact, the opening became so popular that chess legends Alexander Alekhine and Jose Raul Capablanca played it in 32 out of the 34 games of their 1927 world championship match. By the beginning of the 20th century, the opening became very prominent among elite players. Positional play became more prominent by the end of the 19th century, bringing more attention to the Queen's Gambit. However, it wasn't until the 1890s that masters started including 1.d4 in their repertoire. Later, masters Alessandro Salvio and Gioachino Greco analyzed the opening in the first part of the 17th century. Its earliest record comes from the Gottingen manuscript, written circa 1490. The Queen's Gambit is one of the oldest openings in chess. Still, the Albin Countergambit is one of the best-scoring lines among non-professional players. With accurate play, White should have no problem building a considerable advantage. You should note that masters don't typically go for this line since it's too risky. This move can lead to wild positions and hidden traps, so White must know how to respond accurately. Black responds to White's pawn offer with 2.e5, offering a gambit themselves. If you prefer sharper positions, the Albin Countergambit might be a good choice for you. Black wins 21% of games with the Slav, draws 39%, and loses 40%.ġ.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 The Slav is a solid way of playing against the Queen's Gambit. Despite its heavy theory, this defense will give you a solid position even if you learn just the basics of it. If you'd rather decline the gambit, the Slav Defense is a good option. Of the more than 23,000 games in our masters' database, Black wins 25%, draws 38%, and loses 38%.ġ.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 The Queen's Gambit Accepted scores well for Black. Queen's Gambit AcceptedĮven though the Queen's Gambit Accepted has a reputation of sometimes leading to stale positions, this is one of the best-scoring variations for Black. Below are three variations that should help you face the Queen's Gambit. Still, Black can find some counterplay and reach balanced positions in many lines even if White plays with precision. The Queen's Gambit is an exceptional opening for White, and the well-prepared player should get more than satisfying results with it. The Slav Defense has a large amount of theory and is considered a different opening on its own. Black avoids locking the light-squared bishop inside the pawn chain like in the Queen's Gambit Declined (discussed below). Black declines the gambit and reinforces the central d4-pawn with 2.c6. The Slav Defense is the most popular variation against 2.c4. Numerous variations branch out from each of those options. Less attacking chances against the black kingīlack can meet the Queen's Gambit by capturing the white c4-pawn (Queen's Gambit Accepted) or trying to hold on to their d5-pawn (Queen's Gambit Declined and Slav Defense).White may have to spend time getting the pawn back.The starting position of the Queen's Gambit.ĭespite its name, the Queen's Gambit doesn't quite gambit a pawn since Black can't really hang on to the extra pawn safely. If Black decides to take the pawn with 2.dxc4, White will have successfully deflected one of Black's central pawns to the board's wing. White's second move attacks the d5-pawn, increasing control over the center. The Queen's Gambit starts after the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4. It's also an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players. Despite being around for centuries, this opening is still one of the cornerstones of every elite players' repertoire. Unlike 1.e4 openings, the Queen's Gambit usually evolves into a strategic game rather than an all-out tactical battle. The Queen's Gambit is one of the oldest and most reputable 1.d4 openings for White.
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