What is the Queen's Gambit?
After d4 d5, White plays c4. The c-pawn attacks the d5 pawn. If Black takes it, White gets free play in the center and can push the e-pawn to e4. If Black keeps the pawn on d5, White keeps up the pressure on it with the knight on c3 and the bishop on g5.
The name is a little misleading. White does offer a pawn, but Black usually cannot keep it without problems. In most lines White wins the pawn back within a few moves.
History
The Queen's Gambit is one of the oldest openings still played today. Its earliest known record is the Göttingen manuscript from the late 15th century. In the 18th century, Philipp Stamma of Aleppo recommended it, and for that reason it is sometimes called the Aleppo Gambit.
The opening reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s. In the 1927 World Championship match between José Raúl Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine, 32 of the 34 games began with the Queen's Gambit. It is still a main opening at every level, from club play to world championship matches.
Key ideas
For White
- Trade the c-pawn for Black's d-pawn and get more central pawns.
- Develop the queen's knight to c3 and the dark-squared bishop to g5 or f4 to add pressure on d5.
- Use the half-open c-file, often with a rook on c1.
- If Black gives up the center, push the e-pawn to e4 and build a big pawn center.
For Black
- Hold the d5 point with the e-pawn or the c-pawn, or take on c4 and return the pawn later for quick development.
- Free the game with a pawn break: c7 to c5 or e6 to e5.
- In lines with e6, find a good square for the light-squared bishop. It is often Black's worst piece.
Main replies for Black
e6, the Queen's Gambit Declined. The classical reply. Black supports d5 with a pawn and gets a very solid position. The cost is that the light-squared bishop is shut in behind the e6 pawn.
dxc4, the Queen's Gambit Accepted. Black takes the pawn, gives up the center for a while and plans to hit back with the c-pawn.
c6, the Slav Defense. Black supports d5 with the c-pawn and keeps the diagonal of the light-squared bishop open, so it can come out to f5 or g4.
e5, the Albin Countergambit. Black gives a pawn back at once for fast development. It is rare at top level but can be dangerous in club games.
Nc6, the Chigorin Defense. Black develops the knight and aims for active piece play rather than a pawn on d5.