QGA: 3.e4 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.Bxc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Nc6 7.Ne2

Queen’s Gambit Accepted: 3.e4 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.Bxc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Nc6 7.Ne2

Definition

This variation belongs to the Central (or Alekhine) Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA). The full move-order is:
After accepting the gambit pawn on c4, Black allows White to seize the center with pawns on d4 and e4. White immediately drives the knight around (e4-e5–Nd5), regains the pawn with Bxc4, and keeps the bishop pair. Black’s 5…Nb6 and 6…Nc6 attack the key d4–e5 chain from the flanks.

Typical Usage & Plans

• White maintains a broad pawn center, supports it with c2-c3, and aims for d4-d5 or f2-f4. The bishops on c4/b3 can become powerful on the long diagonals.
• Black tries to undermine with …Bf5, …e6, and …c5. The knight dance (f6–d5–b6–c8–c6) looks time-consuming but places the piece on c6 where it pressures d4 and supports …c5.
• The move 7.Ne2 (instead of the more popular 7.Nf3) keeps the f-pawn free, bolsters d4, and enables the maneuver Ne2–g3, targeting f5 and h5 squares.

Strategic Significance

• Space vs. Development: White’s extra space often compensates for Black’s slight lead in development.
• Bishop Pair: By choosing 5.Bxc4 rather than recapturing with the pawn, White keeps both bishops, which can prove decisive after the center opens.
• Pawn Structure: If Black succeeds in exchanging the e5-pawn (…f6 or …e6), the whole variation can flip in Black’s favor by liquidating White’s central spearhead.
• Flexibility: 7.Ne2 leaves options: castling kingside or queenside, an early f2-f4 advance, or a quiet buildup with Be3/Qd2/Rd1.

Historical Notes

Alexander Alekhine championed the 3.e4 line against Bogoljubov and Tartakower in the 1920s, which is why the Central Variation is often called the Alekhine Variation of the QGA. The specific 7.Ne2 sideline has never reached the same popularity as 7.Nf3, but it has found periodic revival by creative grandmasters such as Mikhail Tal (Havana 1965) and, more recently, by Daniil Dubov and Richard Rapport.

Illustrative Continuation

One of the main modern branches continues:

1. 7…Bf5
2. 8.Nbc3 e6
3. 9.O-O Qd7
4. 10.Be3 O-O-O
5. 11.Rc1 Kb8

White keeps the tension, eyeing d5 breaks, while Black sets up the classic minority attack …c5 and …Nb4 or reroutes pieces toward the kingside if opposite-side castling occurs.

Model Game

Tal – Uhlmann, Havana 1965
Tal unveiled the 7.Ne2 plan, castled long, and initiated a pawn storm on the kingside. Uhlmann’s queen rook never entered the game, and Tal’s bishops sliced through the center.
The game is a vivid illustration of how fast White’s initiative can grow if Black hesitates.

Typical Tactical Motifs

• Queen Fork on b5: After …Nb6–c4 ideas, the queen can jump to b5+, winning tempo.
• e6 Break: White sacrifices a pawn with e5-e6 to rip open f- and e-files.
• f7 Weakness: The Ne2–g3 maneuver often targets f5 followed by Qf3 or Qh5.

Interesting Facts

• Engines initially disliked 7.Ne2, but AlphaZero-inspired openings research has rekindled interest, showing the line is fully playable with dynamic chances.
• Because Black’s knight lands on b6 so early, some players jokingly call this the “Knight Tour” variation.
• Garry Kasparov analyzed the system deeply for his Great Predecessors series, admiring Alekhine’s early central expansion.

Practical Tips

• Don’t rush d4-d5; prepare it with c2-c3 and central piece coordination.
• Watch out for …Qd7–O-O-O; opposite-side castling means time is of the essence.
• If Black achieves …c5 and trades on d4, be ready to switch plans and exploit the b-file or the weak dark squares around e6.