Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation McDonnell Defense
Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, McDonnell Defense
Definition
The Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA) – Central Variation, McDonnell Defense is an ECO-coded line (D26) that arises after the moves:
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O a6
It is called “Central Variation” because White immediately targets the central pawn on d4/e4 squares with 4.e3 and 5.Bxc4, while “McDonnell Defense” refers to Black’s early …a6, named after the 19th-century Irish master Alexander McDonnell, who was one of the first strong players to adopt the move.
Typical Move Order
- 1. d4 d5
- 2. c4 dxc4 (QGA)
- 3. Nf3 Nf6 (putting pressure on e4)
- 4. e3 e6 (Black prepares to return the pawn smoothly)
- 5. Bxc4 c5 (central counterstrike; the hallmark of the Central Variation)
- 6. O-O a6 (the McDonnell Defense: …a6 supports …b5 or restrains Nb5 ideas)
Strategic Themes
- Pawn Structure. Black concedes a classical “isolani” or hanging-pawn structure after …c5, aiming for active piece play rather than static equality.
- …a6 Idea. Supports …b5 to keep the c4 pawn (if still alive) or to gain queenside space. It also prevents White’s pieces from using b5 as an outpost.
- Central Tension. Both sides must decide when to exchange on d4/c5. White hopes to obtain a strong center with d4-e4; Black counters with pressure on d4 and rapid development.
- Piece Activity. Black’s light-squared bishop often goes to d6 or e7. White’s usual plan involves 7.dxc5, 8.Qxd1, 9.b3 or immediately 7.Nc3, reinforcing the center.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
Until the 1980s the QGA was viewed as slightly inferior for Black, but analytical advances (notably by Anatoly Karpov’s seconds and later computer engines) demonstrated that active, dynamic lines like the McDonnell Defense give Black full equality.
The line reached peak popularity in elite play during the Kasparov–Karpov title matches, when both camps explored QGA systems to avoid heavily analysed Queen’s Gambit Declined territory.
Illustrative Game
Kasparov – Timman, Tal Memorial 1991 (simplified):
The game shows how Black’s queenside play (…a6 …b5) combined with central pressure can outbalance White’s space advantage.
Practical Tips
- For White: Decide early whether to recapture the pawn with 7.dxc5 or maintain central flexibility with 7.Nc3. Watch out for pins on the d-file after …Qxd1.
- For Black: Timing of …b5 is critical; sometimes Black prefers …Nc6 first to discourage dxc5. Don’t fall behind in development while babysitting the c4 pawn.
- Study modern games by Fabiano Caruana and Ding Liren, who both employ this line with both colors.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Alexander McDonnell (1798-1835) is better known for his epic 1834 match against Louis-Charles de La Bourdonnais; his name lives on in several openings, including this defense and the “McDonnell Gambit” in the King’s Gambit.
- In the 1985 World Championship, Karpov used the QGA (not always with …a6) to surprise Kasparov, leading to some of the most theoretically important games in this variation.
- Computer engines show a near-flat evaluation (≈0.00) after 6…a6, highlighting how dynamically balanced the line is despite Black’s early pawn grab.