Learn
The big idea
What the Queen's Gambit Accepted is really about.
Black accepts the gambit pawn on c4 — but the point is not greed. The captured pawn is hard to hold, so Black treats it as a loan: grab it, develop the pieces freely, and hand it back at the right moment in exchange for an easy, active game and the freeing ...c5 break.
- White's plan: Recapture the c4-pawn at leisure (usually with the bishop), build a broad centre with e3 and pieces on natural squares, and use the extra central space to press for the initiative.
- Black's plan: Don't cling to the extra pawn — develop quickly, complete kingside castling, and strike at White's centre with a well-timed ...c5 (and often ...a6 to gain queenside space), giving the pawn back for free play.
What's the correct attitude toward the extra c4-pawn in the QGA?
Answer the question to keep going!