Made in IndiaQueen's Gambit
You play White. It starts 1.d4 d5 2.c4.
In the Queen's Gambit White offers the c-pawn to pull Black's d-pawn away from the centre. It is not a real gambit: if Black takes, White wins the pawn back easily. White gets space and easy development, which is why it is one of the most popular openings at every level.
The course is built from 1,72,016 games of the Queen's Gambit by strong players in Chess Castles' database: the lines below are the ones they really play, with the score White made in each.
The first moves, one by one
- 1.d4 It takes a centre square (d4). It opens a line for the bishop on c1. It opens a line for the queen on d1.
- 1...d5 It takes a centre square (d5). It opens a line for the bishop on c8. It opens a line for the queen on d8.
- 2.c4 It controls the centre (d5). It opens a line for the queen on d1. It challenges the opponent's pawns. It offers a pawn (a gambit) to win time or the centre.
Declined (2...e6)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6
Move by move
- 2...e6 It controls the centre (d5). It opens a line for the queen on d8. It opens a line for the bishop on f8.
Plans for White
- Against 2...e6 develop with Nc3, Bg5 (or Bf4), e3 and Nf3: the c8 bishop behind the e6 pawn is Black's problem piece.
- The minority attack: with the pawn exchange on d5, push b4-b5 to give Black a weak pawn on c6.
Slav (2...c6)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6
Move by move
- 2...c6 It controls the centre (d5). It opens a line for the queen on d8.
Plans for White
- Against 2...c6 the main moves are Nf3, Nc3 and e3: protect c4 and develop calmly.
- If Black takes on c4 and holds the pawn with ...b5, a4 breaks up the queenside pawns.
- Watch out: The Slav bishop comes to f5 or g4 before ...e6: be ready to answer with Qb3, hitting b7.
Accepted (2...dxc4)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4
Move by move
- 2...dxc4 It captures the pawn on c4. It gains space.
Plans for White
- Against 2...dxc4 play e3 (or e4) and Bxc4: you win the pawn back and have the better centre.
- Black usually plays ...c5 to hit d4; an isolated d-pawn for White is common and gives active pieces.
Other replies
- Against other replies keep it simple: Nc3, Nf3, e3 or e4 when it is safe, and a lead in development.
- Against the Albin Counter-Gambit (2...e5) take the pawn and develop the kingside quickly.
How each line scores
| Line | Moves | Games | White scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2...c6 · Slav Defense | 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 | 81,360 | 58% |
| 2...e6 · Queen's Gambit Declined | 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 | 62,307 | 58% |
| 2...dxc4 · Queen's Gambit Accepted | 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 | 20,832 | 56% |
| 2...Nc6 · Chigorin Defense | 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6 | 4,051 | 60% |
The score counts a win as 1 and a draw as ½, from White's side, in games between strong players.
On the board: the course (plans, model games, puzzles from real games of the opening), and the opening trainer, which drills the moves until you know them (a free account keeps your progress).
More openings: Caro-Kann Defence, Jobava London, Chebanenko Slav, Ruy Lopez, Italian Game, London System, Sicilian Najdorf, French Defence, King's Indian Defence, Queen's Gambit Declined.