QGA: 3.e4 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 — Central Variation
QGA: 3.e4 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5
Definition
This sequence denotes a principal variation of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA): 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 Nf6 4. e5 Nd5. After White’s third-move pawn thrust (3.e4), Black immediately challenges with 3…Nf6, and White gains further space with 4.e5, chasing the knight to d5. The line is often called the Central Variation or Alekhine Gambit of the QGA.
Usage in Play
Players who choose this line with White accept a temporary pawn sacrifice (the c4-pawn) in exchange for:
- A strong pawn wedge on e5 cramping Black’s minor pieces.
- Rapid development, typically with Bxc4, Nf3, Nc3, and long-range pressure along the a2–g8 diagonal.
- Open central lines that can translate into attacking chances on the kingside.
Black, by placing the knight on d5, hopes to:
- Maintain the extra pawn long enough to consolidate.
- Strike at White’s center with …c5 and …e6.
- Exploit outposts on b4 or f4 after piece exchanges.
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension. White’s e5-pawn and d4-pawn claim space, but they can become targets. Black’s counterplay revolves around timely pawn breaks …c5 or …f6.
- Piece Activity vs. Material. White is a pawn down until Bxc4 is played. Development speed is critical; if White falls behind, the material deficit becomes serious.
- Knight Manoeuvres. After 4…Nd5, the knight may head to b6, c6, or even f4, influencing both flanks.
- Pawn Structure. A typical middlegame pawn skeleton arises: White – pawns on d4/e5/c4 (after recovery); Black – pawns on d5/c6/e6. This resembles certain French Defence structures, giving both sides familiar plans.
Historical Significance
Alexander Alekhine popularised 3.e4 in the 1920s, scoring several quick wins against contemporaries who were unfamiliar with its dynamic potential. Since then, the variation has appeared at the highest levels:
- Alekhine – Marshall, New York 1924: Alekhine’s energetic 3.e4 line led to a swift kingside attack.
- Ivanchuk – Kramnik, Linares 1993: Demonstrated modern, positional treatment by both sides.
- Carlsen – Anand, World Ch. 2014 (Game 3): Featured a transposition into this structure, underscoring its continuing relevance.
Illustrative Mini-Example
The following pocket game shows typical themes: rapid development, central tension, and piece activity.
White regains the pawn on c4, maintains space, and keeps a slight initiative. Black’s …c5 break hits back in the center, illustrating textbook counterplay.
Typical Continuations
- 5.Bxc4 – The most direct. White repairs the material balance while preserving spatial plus.
- 5.Nc3 – Leaves c4 temporarily, increasing pressure on d5 and aiming for Nf3-g5 ideas.
- 5.Nf3 Nb6 6.Bxc4 – Often seen when White prefers flexible development first.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Because the pawn structure can mimic the French Defence, some grandmasters jokingly call the line “The French with colors reversed – pawn down but tempo up.”
- The move 3.e4 was once considered “unsound” by early 20th-century theorists. Alekhine’s successes forced a complete reevaluation.
- Computer engines rate 3.e4 as fully playable; in cloud analysis, assessments often hover around equality, proving that the gambit’s compensation is objectively adequate.
Practical Tips
- For White: Castle quickly, use rooks on e1 and d1, and be prepared to meet …c5 with dxc5 followed by Be3 or Qa4.
- For Black: Don’t cling to the c4-pawn at all costs; timely returns (…c5 or …b5 & …Bb7) can yield smoother development.
- When playing rapid or blitz, remember the handy motif Bxf7+ if Black delays castling and leaves the e6-pawn pinned.