Queen's Gambit Accepted

A third and very different possibility is 2...dxc4, the Queen’s Gambit Accepted. Black immediately resolves the central tension set up with 2.c4. But in doing so by capturing away from the centre, he does concede to White a 2:1 pawn majority in the middle of the board (d- and e-pawns against e-pawn). At the same time, there is no sensible way for Black to defend the c4-pawn, so that in the strictest sense of the term the Queen’s Gambit is not a real gambit. The principled way for White is now 3.e4, meaning that he immediately forms the “ideal” centre – i. e. pawns on d4 and e4. Black will attack this centre with his pawns and/or pieces, aiming to force the exchange or advance of if possible one of these white pawns. He has the choice between 3...c5, 3...e5, 3...Nc6 and 3...Nf6, after which early complications can develop.