Queens Gambit Accepted Central Variation Modern Defense
Queen’s Gambit Accepted (QGA)
Definition
The Queen’s Gambit Accepted is a classical chess opening that begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4. Black accepts White’s temporary pawn sacrifice on c4, conceding central space in exchange for the material gain and the promise of rapid development. It is catalogued in the ECO codes D20–D29.
Strategic Ideas
- Central Challenge: By capturing on c4, Black invites White to seize the center with e2–e4 or e2–e3, planning later counter-strikes with …c5 or …e5.
- Development vs. Material: Black aims to return the c-pawn at a convenient moment, using the tempo to develop pieces harmoniously (…Nf6, …e6, …c5).
- White’s Initiative: White can choose calm systems (3. Nf3, 4. e3) or the sharper Central Variation with 3. e4, staking maximum central space.
Historical Significance
The QGA has swung in and out of fashion. In the late 19th century it was viewed as risky; however, José Raúl Capablanca revitalized it in the 1920s, showing that accurate play neutralizes White’s first-move advantage. Since then it has appeared at every level, from club play to modern elite events such as the 2013 Candidates (Kramnik–Gelfand).
Illustrative Game
Capablanca–Tartakower, New York 1924:
[[Pgn| d4|d5|c4|dxc4|Nf3|Nf6|e3|e6|Bxc4|c5| O-O|a6|Qe2|b5|Bd3|Bb7|a4|b4|Nbd2|cxd4|exd4|Be7|a5|O-O|Nc4|Nbd7|Bf4|Nd5|Qe4|N7f6|Qe5|...|]]Capablanca demonstrated how smoothly White can regain the pawn and exploit superior development.
Interesting Facts
- The QGA was the very first opening played in human vs. computer world-class competition: Kasparov vs. Deep Blue (Game 1, 1997).
- Magnus Carlsen used the QGA with Black in the 2018 World Championship tiebreaks versus Fabiano Caruana, scoring a comfortable draw on the way to victory.
Central Variation (in the Queen’s Gambit Accepted)
Definition
The Central Variation refers specifically to 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4! White immediately occupies the center with pawns on d4 and e4, threatening 4. Bxc4 to recapture the pawn while retaining massive space.
Key Continuations
- 3…e5 – the classical response, challenging the center at once (ECO D20).
- 3…Nf6 – delaying the pawn break, aiming for quick kingside development.
- 3…c5 – the Modern Defense (see next entry), striking the d4-pawn from the flank.
Strategic Themes
- Space Advantage: White’s pawns on e4 and d4 cramp Black and prepare rapid piece activity.
- Delayed Recapture: Often White ignores the c4-pawn for several moves, emphasizing development.
- Central Tension: If Black plays …e5, the center can open explosively after d4xe5 or d4-d5.
Typical Position
[[Pgn| d4|d5|c4|dxc4|e4|c5|Nf3|cxd4|Bxc4|Nc6|O-O|e6|]]After 3…c5, the position is unbalanced: Black has two pawns in White’s half, yet White leads in development and owns more central squares.
Historical Note
The Central Variation gained popularity in the computer era when engines showed that 3. e4 is objectively sound and often uncomfortable for unprepared opponents.
Modern Defense (Robatsch Defense)
Definition
The Modern Defense is a hyper-modern opening that begins 1. …g6 against either 1. e4 or 1. d4. Black allows White to build a broad pawn center, planning to undermine it later with pawn breaks like …d5, …e5, or …c5. In ECO it spans B06–B09 (versus 1. e4) and A40 (versus 1. d4).
Main Move-Orders
- 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. Nc3 d6 (or 3…c6) – the Pirc-Modern hybrid.
- 1. d4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 3. Nc3 c5 – the Modern Benoni move-order.
Strategic Concepts
- Fianchetto Pressure: The g7-bishop eyes the long diagonal toward d4/e5.
- Flexible Pawn Structure: Black keeps central pawns fluid, waiting for the optimal moment to strike.
- Counter-Attack: Rather than equalizing immediately, Black aims for dynamic counterplay, often generating kingside attacks with …f5 or queenside pressure with …c5.
Famous Encounters
Fischer–Uhlmann, Siegen Olympiad 1970, is a textbook demonstration of White’s kingside pawn storm against the Modern.
[[Pgn| e4|g6|d4|Bg7|Nc3|d6|Be3|a6|Qd2|b5|Nf3|Nd7|Bd3|Bb7|O-O-O|c5|dxc5|Nxc5|e5|Bxf3|...|]]Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The defense is named after Austrian GM Karl Robatsch, who popularized it in the 1950s.
- One of the earliest ‘pure’ Moderns at world-championship level was played by Bent Larsen against Boris Spassky (Belgrade 1970); Larsen drew despite Spassky’s extensive preparation.
- It is a favorite “surprise weapon” for blitz specialists: its flexible nature can quickly take opponents out of theory.
- Top engine evaluations have gradually warmed to the Modern, especially in faster time controls where the strategic complexity benefits Black.