Queens Gambit Accepted Position

Hey Guys,

I have reached this position many times however I am not sure how to proceed. I usually take the pawn on b5 but not sure if that is the best move or if it is an idea after that

In this line, black often tries to hold the pawn with 4..c6.  Then after 5 axb5 cxb5 6 Qf3 wins a piece.

People rarely play 4..Ba6 that I can recall. Strange that your experience should be so different.

At any rate, taking the bishop on b5 is a big mistake. Black's defence has turned his bishop into a pawn (for all practical purposes). Taking it relieves that problem.

Simple development Nf3 and Ne5 will give a big advantage.

Do you think I should take the pawn on b5 or leave it?

Take it.  I don't see that black has any option other than taking back. Then he gets that bad bishop I mentioned, and doubled pawns.

It looks like a big advantage for white.

Just check a database. The preferred line in the database is to take the pawn with 5. axb5, and your posted game matches one database game out to 7 moves:

However, before you congratulate yourself, note that both sides are playing moves that are only the 3rd to 5th most popular, which statistically suggests that White has better moves, especially 3. Nf3 to prevent Black's powerful gambit 3...e5.

1. d4 d5

2. c4 {Queen's Gambit.} dxc4 {Queen's Gambit Accepted.}

3. e3 {"Malaniuk Attack," q.v. #3 pop. w 41%.} b5 {#5 pop. w 67%.}

4. a4 {w 72%.} Ba6 {#4 pop. w 80%.}

5. axb5 {#1 pop. w 100%.} Bxb5 {omib. w 100%.}

6. Nc3 {w 71%.} c6 {w 75%.}

7. Qf3 {#1&2 pop. wb 50%.} Nd7 {eolib. b 100%.}

8. d5

Thank you every one for your help I think I feel more comfortable in this position now.