Queen's Gambit

In algebraic notation, d4 means column d and row 4. The Queen's Gambit begins when both sides advance the pawn in front of the queen: White's reaches d4 and Black's reaches d5. White then plays c4, and that pawn attacks Black's d5-pawn. If Black captures on c4, the black pawn moves away from the center, allowing White to occupy the center with e4 or recover the pawn later.

c4 challenges the central d5-pawn

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Startd5c4

1...d5 takes Black's pawn to the center, where it will control c4 and e4. The advance and influence form one function.

Black answers d4 with symmetrical central occupation

After 1.d4, ...d5 places a pawn in the center and controls two important squares.

1. 1...d5 takes Black's pawn to the center, where it will control c4 and e4. The advance and influence form one function.

A gambit is an opening offer of material, meaning a pawn or piece, in return for another benefit, such as time, active pieces, or central control. In the Queen's Gambit, the pawn loss is rarely permanent because Black often cannot keep the pawn without spending moves or accepting weaknesses. White aims to exchange the c-pawn for a central pawn and gain territory, active pieces, or greater control of the center.

Three fundamental replies

Accepting, declining, and playing the Slav change the structure

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2...dxc4 accepts the gambit, leaves d5, and gains a temporary pawn on c4.

The three fundamental replies solve the attack in different ways

Each choice changes which pawn occupies the center and how the c8-bishop can develop.

1. 2...dxc4 accepts the gambit, leaves d5, and gains a temporary pawn on c4.
2. 2...e6 supports d5 with the e-pawn and leads to the Queen's Gambit Declined, though it restricts the c8-bishop's natural diagonal.
3. 2...c6 supports d5 with the c-pawn and leads to the Slav Defense while keeping the c8-bishop's diagonal open.

• In the Queen's Gambit Accepted, Black captures on c4 and normally allows the pawn to be recovered while attacking White's center.
• In the Queen's Gambit Declined, Black supports d5 with e6 and keeps the central pawns facing each other without exchanging them immediately.
• In the Slav Defense, Black supports d5 with c6 and leaves the c8-bishop's diagonal open.

Later decisions depend on the pawn arrangement, not only the variation's name. White normally brings out pieces to support d4 and prepare e4. Black seeks to challenge that center with c5 or e5 and activate the pieces rather than cling to a pawn that cannot be defended efficiently.