Queens Gambit Accepted Central Variation Alekhine System
Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA)
Definition
The Queen’s Gambit Accepted arises after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4. Black “accepts” White’s pawn offer on c4, temporarily grabbing a pawn and defying White to prove compensation through rapid development and central space.
How it is used in play
- Black’s idea: Remove White’s c-pawn, then challenge the broad pawn centre with …c5, …e5 or …b5, while returning the extra pawn at a convenient moment.
- White’s idea: Seize the centre with e2–e4 or e2–e3, recapture the pawn on c4 (often with Bf1xc4), and exploit lead in development.
- Typical piece placements: White bishop lands on c4 or e2; Black often fianchettoes the queen’s bishop with …b5 …Bb7 or plays …a6–…b5.
Strategic & historical significance
The QGA is one of the oldest recorded openings, appearing in the 15th-century Göttingen manuscript. It was rehabilitated as a fully sound defence by classical champions such as José Raúl Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine, and has since been a staple in the repertoires of Garry Kasparov, Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen.
Relevant examples
- Capablanca – Alekhine, World Championship 1927 (game 3): Capablanca used the Exchange variation 3. e3, steering into a quiet middlegame that demonstrated the solidity of both sides’ structures.
- Anand – Carlsen, World Championship 2014 (game 10): Carlsen equalised comfortably with 3…Nf6, showing modern defensive resources.
Interesting facts
- The QGA was once considered dubious because Black “violated” opening principles by moving the same pawn twice. Modern theory, computer verification and top-level practice now rate it completely sound.
- Because the c-pawn is captured early, the QGA often transposes to positions resembling the Queen’s Gambit Declined, the Semi-Tarrasch or even Catalan-type structures once White regains the pawn.
Central Variation (of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted)
Definition
The Central Variation is characterised by White’s immediate 3. e4 after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4. By thrusting the e-pawn two squares, White lays claim to the full centre and opens lines for rapid piece activity.
Strategic themes
- Big pawn centre: White’s pawns on d4 and e4 restrict Black’s minor pieces but become obvious targets for counter-attacks.
- Timing of …e5 or …c5: Black must quickly challenge the centre. The most principled reply is 3…e5 (entering the Alekhine System), but 3…Nf6 or 3…c5 are viable alternatives.
- Development race: The position can become sharp; every tempo matters. Delaying kingside development often leads to tactical blows based on Bxc4, Qb3 or Bxf7+ motifs.
Typical tabiya
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 e5 4. Nf3 exd4 5. Bxc4 (see Alekhine System below). White’s pieces swarm towards the centre and the f7-square while Black hopes to consolidate the extra pawn or return it under favourable circumstances.
Historical notes
The idea of 3. e4 was championed in the early 20th century by grandmasters such as Frank Marshall and Alexander Alekhine. Its modern theoretical status is “critical but playable” for both sides—engines give roughly equal chances, yet practical tests often favour the better-prepared player.
Illustrative miniature
Bronstein – Uhlmann, 1957: after 3…e5 4. Nf3 exd4 5. Bxc4 Nc6 6. O-O Nf6 7. Qb3 Qd7? 8. Ng5 Ne5 9. Bb5!! c6 10. f4 clinched a crushing central attack in only 24 moves.
Alekhine System (Central Variation of the QGA)
Definition
The Alekhine System arises after the move sequence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 e5 4. Nf3 exd4 5. Bxc4. Named after former World Champion Alexander Alekhine, it is the sharpest branch of the Central Variation.
Key position
Plans for both sides
- White
- Exploit piece activity: Bc4 eyes f7; Qb3, Ng5 and 0-0-0 are recurring attacking ideas.
- Rapid development: Every tempo counts; White must not dawdle chasing the c4-pawn.
- Central grip: If Black fails to undermine quickly, the d4/e4 pawns may roll forward.
- Black
- Counter in the centre: …Nc6, …Nf6 and …Bb4+ are common; some lines feature an immediate pawn sacrifice with …d3!?
- Material consideration: Black usually keeps the extra pawn only temporarily, aiming instead for piece activity and structural balance.
- King safety: Accurate move orders (…Be6, …Qf6 or …Bb4+) are required to neutralise threats on f7 and d5.
Famous games
- Alekhine – Grigoriev, Moscow 1915: The system’s namesake unleashed a textbook attack, sacrificing on f7 and finishing with a mating net on the open e-file.
- Kasparov – Short, Linares 1993: Short defended stoutly with 7…Be6! and eventually steered the game to equality, highlighting modern improvements for Black.
Interesting facts & anecdotes
- In correspondence chess, the line 5…Nc6 6. O-O Be6 has held up well even under computer scrutiny; many engines evaluate the position as completely balanced.
- Because the bishop on c4 is so prominent, club players sometimes dub this line the “Italian QGA.” While not official nomenclature, it captures the tactical Italian-game flavour that often develops.
- Alexander Alekhine allegedly prepared this variation for the 1927 World Championship but used it sparingly, preferring to spring it as a surprise weapon in exhibitions and simuls.