Queen's Gambit Accepted, Central Variation

The Queen's Gambit Accepted begins when Black captures White's pawn on c4. In the Central Variation, White answers by advancing the e-pawn two squares to e4 instead of recovering the pawn immediately. The pawns on d4 and e4 occupy the center together, control many squares, and create room for White's pieces.

The large center provides freedom but also targets. Black can attack it by developing the knight to f6 or advancing the e- or c-pawn. Meanwhile, Black's pawn on c4 is usually temporary: White intends to recover it with the king's bishop once the diagonal is clear. Accepting the gambit does not mean keeping that pawn at any cost.

If White supports the center and develops quickly, the reward is space and activity. If Black strikes first, White's king may remain exposed while the pawns become targets. The Classical Defense uses a more restrained order: develop the knight and open the bishop's diagonal first, then recover on c4.