Openings · By Chessschool

Queen’s Gambit explained – accept or decline?

Learn the Queen’s Gambit after 1.d4 d5 2.c4. Compare the accepted and declined lines on the board and see what each side is trying to achieve.

In brief

After 1.d4 d5 2.c4, White offers the c-pawn to challenge Black’s pawn on d5. Black accepts with 2…dxc4. With 2…e6, Black defends d5 and enters the classical Queen’s Gambit Declined.

Explore the position step by step

After 2.c4, White’s pawn attacks d5. Black to move.

Accepted. After 5.Bxc4, White has recovered the pawn and developed the bishop.

Declined. The e6-pawn supports d5 and the knight on f6 joins the fight.

Black accepts with 2…dxc4

Replay 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4. With e3, White opens the f1–c4 diagonal. The bishop recaptures and develops in the same move. White can prepare to castle. Black has already developed a knight and can later use …c5 to pressure d4.

Black declines with 2…e6

Replay 3.Nc3 Nf6. Black keeps a pawn on d5, although the e6-pawn temporarily blocks the c8-bishop. White can play 4.cxd5 exd5, changing the pawn structure and the plans. Black can also play 2…c6 immediately, entering the Slav Defence.

Try it yourself

Why does White play e3 before recapturing on c4 with the bishop?

Show the explanation

The pawn on e2 blocks the f1-bishop. After e3, the diagonal through e2 and d3 is open.