Queens Gambit Accepted: Central Variation McDonnell Defense
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 c-pawn, temporarily giving up central presence for material gain and the promise of freeing his position. It is catalogued in ECO codes D20–D29.
Usage in Play
- Side of the board: An opening system for Black against 1.d4.
- Main idea: Capture on c4, then strive for ...c5 and/or ...e5 to hit the center while completing development quickly.
- Typical continuations:
- 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 (Classical line)
- 3.e4 (Central Variation) – the focus of the next definition
- 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e4 (Accelerated Central)
Strategic Ideas
By grabbing the pawn Black invites White to build a powerful center with e2–e4 or e2–e3. Black’s plan is to undermine that center with pawn breaks …c5 or …e5 and to develop the light-squared bishop actively on g7 or b4.
Historical Significance
The QGA is one of the oldest recorded defenses to 1.d4, appearing in 16th-century manuscripts. Wilhelm Steinitz, the first World Champion, used it successfully, and it became a regular choice of modern champions such as Anatoly Karpov and Vladimir Kramnik, who trusted it in world-championship play (e.g., Kasparov–Kramnik, London 2000).
Example Game
Garry Kasparov – Nigel Short, Belfort Rapid 1997. Kasparov demonstrated how White can regain the pawn and exploit central pressure.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- When the QGA briefly disappeared from elite play in the 1960s, Bobby Fischer wrote that it was “perfectly playable” for Black and good enough even “for a world title match.”
- A computer search shows that engines rate the position after 3.e4 (Central Variation) at roughly +0.35 for White, yet the line remains a fighting choice because Black’s counterplay comes quickly.
Central Variation (Queen's Gambit Accepted)
Definition
The Central Variation occurs after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4. Instead of first regaining the pawn, White immediately plants a pawn duo on d4–e4, seizing maximum central space.
Key Ideas for Each Side
- White:
- Rapid development (Nf3, Bxc4, O-O) while maintaining the strong pawn center.
- Open lines for quick attacks once the c4-pawn is recovered.
- Black:
- Challenge the center with 3…Nf6, 3…e5 (the McDonnell Defense), or 3…c5.
- Return the extra pawn at the right moment to complete development.
Typical Continuations
- 3…Nf6 4.Nc3 e5 5.Nf3 exd4 6.Qxd4 Nc6 (main line)
- 3…e5 → McDonnell Defense (see next entry)
- 3…c5 4.Nf3 cxd4 5.Qxd4 Nc6 (Capablanca System)
Strategic & Historical Notes
The Central Variation was championed by Alexander Alekhine and later revived by Garry Kasparov as a surprise weapon. Its popularity rose again after Magnus Carlsen used a related line to defeat Levon Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2012.
Sample Tactic
After 3.e4 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5? 5.Bxc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 wins a piece because the knight on d5 has no retreat squares. This illustrates why accuracy is critical for Black.
Fun Fact
The move 3.e4 is so direct that some historians call it “the Queen’s Gambit Declined in reverse”: White offers a pawn (the c-pawn) and uses the tempo to dominate the center.
McDonnell Defense (Queen's Gambit Accepted – Central Variation, 3…e5)
Definition
The McDonnell Defense begins 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 e5. Named after the 19th-century Irish master Alexander McDonnell, it is Black’s sharp attempt to hit the center at once, counter-gambitting the e-pawn instead of guarding the extra c-pawn.
Main Lines
- 4.Nf3 exd4 5.Bxc4 Nc6 6.O-O Be6 – Black gives back the pawn, aiming for rapid development.
- 4.d5 Nf6 5.Nc3 c6 6.Bxc4 Bb4 – White gains space; Black seeks piece activity.
Strategic Features
- The position can resemble an open game after pawn exchanges in the center, with both sides’ bishops becoming active.
- Black’s king can be slightly more vulnerable because the move …e5 weakens d5 and f5 squares.
- White enjoys a lasting central majority if the e-pawn survives.
Historical Significance
Though popular in the Romantic era, the McDonnell Defense fell out of favor after Wilhelm Steinitz demonstrated safer methods for Black (preferring 3…Nf6). It occasionally surfaces as a surprise weapon—Hikaru Nakamura tried it against Fabiano Caruana, London 2015 (Rapid).
Illustrative Miniature
After 8.Ng5! White exerts huge pressure on e6 and f7; Black must tread carefully to avoid tactical disasters.
Interesting Tidbits
- Alexander McDonnell is better known for his legendary 1834 match against Louis-Charles Mahe de La Bourdonnais. Their games featured numerous central pawn duels similar in spirit to 3…e5.
- Modern engines give a slight plus to White (+0.40–0.50) in the McDonnell Defense, yet practical results hover near 55 % for White—showing it is playable but risky.