Queen's Gambit

The Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4) is one of the oldest openings in chess and is still commonly played. White offers the c-pawn to lure Black's d-pawn away from the centre. It is not a true gambit, because Black cannot safely keep the pawn.

Origins

The Queen's Gambit is mentioned in the Göttingen manuscript of 1490. Alessandro Salvio pointed out a trap in it in 1604, and Gioachino Greco analysed it in the 17th century. It did not become common until the Vienna tournament of 1873, and it reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s. In the 1927 world championship match between Capablanca and Alekhine, 32 of the 34 games began with it. After the Second World War many players switched to the Indian defences against 1.d4, but the Queen's Gambit is still frequently played.

The idea

2.c4 attacks d5 from the side. If Black takes, White gets a free hand in the centre with e3 or e4 and wins the pawn back. If Black defends, White keeps pressure on d5 and gains space. Black often keeps a pawn on d5 and frees the cramped position by exchanging pieces and with the pawn breaks ...c5 and ...e5.

Black's main replies

• Queen's Gambit Declined 2...e6: the classical, very solid defence, with the Orthodox, Exchange and Tarrasch lines.
• Queen's Gambit Accepted 2...dxc4: Black takes and returns the pawn for quick development and ...c5.
• Slav Defense 2...c6: supports d5 while keeping the c8-bishop free. The Semi-Slav combines ...c6 and ...e6.
• Less common replies: the Albin Countergambit 2...e5, the Chigorin Defense 2...Nc6, the Baltic Defense 2...Bf5 and the Marshall Defense 2...Nf6.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• One of the soundest openings in chess. White keeps a small, lasting initiative.
• Teaches the core ideas of central play: pawn majorities, pressure on d5 and the minority attack.
• Flexible: it combines well with the Catalan, the English and other 1.d4 systems.

Weaknesses

• Black has several excellent defences, and each one needs its own preparation.
• Many lines are positional and slow, so it suits patience more than quick tactics.
• Against the most solid defences (QGD, Slav), a draw is a common result at master level.

Who should play it

The Queen's Gambit is the natural choice for players who start with 1.d4 and want to play for an advantage in the centre. It suits positional players and anyone who wants a sound, lifelong repertoire. It is effective against players who don't understand central tension and release it too early. It is less effective against well-prepared opponents with the Slav or QGD, who aim to neutralise it. Players who want less theory often choose the London System instead.

The numbers

On Lichess the Queen's Gambit does well for White at club level: 53–54% for White and 43% for Black below 1800, and 49% against 43% above 2200. In master games over the board, about half the games are drawn (49.5%), White wins 32% and Black 18.4%.