QGA: Classical, Furman, 6...a6
Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA)
Definition
The Queen’s Gambit Accepted is an opening that begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4. Black “accepts” the gambit pawn on c4, planning to hold it (at least temporarily) and free the light-squared bishop by removing the central pawn from d5.
Usage in Play
- Catalogued in ECO codes D20–D29.
- Favoured by players who like classical development and a sound pawn structure without the cramped queen’s-bishop found in the Queen’s Gambit Declined.
- Seen at the very highest level—e.g., Carlsen, Kasparov, Anand, and Kramnik have all used it as Black.
Strategic Significance
Because Black relinquishes the center, rapid piece activity and timely …c5 or …e5 pawn breaks are crucial. White, in turn, tries to regain the pawn under optimum circumstances while maintaining a space advantage.
Historical Notes
The line predates 1850, but it was in the 1920s—aided by the analyses of Capablanca and Alekhine—that it became fully respected. Interest surged again in the computer-engine era when accurate defensive resources for Black were mapped out.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Classical Variation (in the QGA)
Definition
The Classical Variation arises after:
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5
Black immediately counters in the center with …c5, challenging d4 and accelerating development.
Why It’s Called “Classical”
- Adheres to traditional opening principles: quick development, central tension, and flexible pawn structures.
- Capablanca, Euwe, and Smyslov all used this setup, cementing its “classical” reputation.
Strategic Themes
- Black fights for equality by striking at d4 before White consolidates.
- White must decide whether to castle quickly (6. O-O), develop naturally (6. Nc3), or choose the restrained 6. Qe2 (the Furman idea).
- Piece play often revolves around the isolated queen’s-pawn (IQP) structures after dxc5.
Typical Continuations
After 6. O-O a6 7. Qe2 b5 or 6. Nc3 a6 7. a4, the game can steer into dynamic, semi-open positions where both sides have chances.
Furman Variation
Definition
Named after Soviet GM and famed trainer Semion Furman, the variation is characterized by White’s sixth move:
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. Qe2
White delays castling, reinforces e4, and keeps Black guessing about the queen’s-rook placement.
Strategic Ideas
- Prophylaxis: Qe2 supports e3–e4 and guards the c4-bishop against …b5 tricks.
- Flexibility: White can castle either side; sometimes Bg5 or Rd1 follow.
- Endgame Appeal: Early queen trade possibilities (e.g., after …cxd4 exd4) often give White a slight pull thanks to a lead in development.
Historical Snapshot
Furman introduced the move in Soviet events of the late 1950s. Anatoly Karpov, Furman’s pupil, adopted it in the 1970s, popularizing it among elite players.
Memorable Game
Karpov – Polugaevsky, USSR ch., 1976: after 6. Qe2 a6 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. e4 Nc6 9. e5 Nd7, Karpov slowly squeezed out a positional win, demonstrating the line’s latent poison.
6…a6 (in the Furman System)
Definition
The move 6…a6 is Black’s most fashionable reply to 6. Qe2. The full sequence is:
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. Qe2 a6
Purpose and Strategy
- Prepares …b5, gaining time on the bishop and cementing the extra pawn.
- Prevents Nb5 ideas that could harass c7 or d6 after e4–e5.
- Gives Black a hook for minority-attack themes if the position later resembles a Queen’s-Gambit-Declined structure.
Theoretical Status
Modern engines rate 6…a6 as fully playable, leading to rich middlegames. Alternatives like 6…Nc6 or 6…cxd4 are also tried, but 6…a6 scores best in elite practice.
Example Line
Interesting Tidbits
- The move mirrors ideas from the Slav and Benoni—Black delays piece development to secure queenside space.
- Grandmasters Gata Kamsky and Peter Svidler have both employed 6…a6 with success, underlining its soundness.
- A common trap: 7. O-O b5 8. Bd3 cxd4 9. exd4 Bb7 10. a4? b4! and Black keeps the pawn with a pleasant game.