OPENING: Queens Gambit

If black takes the pawn – then its QGA (Queens gambit accepted).

If black does anything else – then is QGD (Queens gambit declined).

Queens Gambit Accepted

Not as common as it used to be.

As black, don’t be tempted to  rescue that pawn – it will die, and   against a good player you will find yourself losing pieces pretty quickly.

This is what happens if we defend that pawn.

White is threatening to capture using his bishop, so we naturally try and defend using the next pawn available (b7). White’s response will be a4.

If black takes it, the queen will run riot and attack the pawns, White's pawn position is terrible and will lose that starting pawn anyway.

Let’s say we continue to defend with 4…a6.

That will not work, because when white 5. axb5 we can not recapture as we will lose the rook.

If we try and defend using the other pawn, 4…c6, white will 5. axb5 and once black recaptures 6. Qf3 and we have fallen into a trap and will lose our rook.

The key point here is that it’s fine to accept the queen’s gambit, just don’t try and rescue the pawn. As white, you are just baiting a trap to see if black will rescue it, if he does, happy days, move a4 and collect the extra pieces.

White’s next turn

As white we can see how 3. e3 threatens the pawn with your bishop. That use to be how it’s done. Because that pawn is not going anywhere, we have a developing move which opens up options. The mainline move is now 3. Nf3

Black’s following turns

If you have accepted the gambit, then leave that pawn alone and develop your pieces.  The most common move is Nf6 followed by e6.