The Queen's Gambit arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4. ECO codes: D06–D69.

History

The Queen's Gambit was mentioned in the Göttingen manuscript of 1490 and analysed by Gioachino Greco in the 17th century. It was recommended by Philipp Stamma of Aleppo (sometimes called the Aleppo Gambit). It became commonplace after the 1873 Vienna tournament and reached peak popularity in the 1920s–1930s, appearing in all but 2 of 34 games in the 1927 World Championship match between Capablanca and Alekhine. Despite its name, it is not a true gambit since "Black cannot retain the pawn without incurring a disadvantage."

Main Lines & Variations

• 2...e6 – The Queen\'s Gambit Declined (D30–D69), the main line.

• 2...dxc4 – The Queen's Gambit Accepted (D20–D29).

• 2...c6 – The Slav Defence (D10–D19).

• 2...Nc6 – The Chigorin Defence (D07).

• 2...e5 – The Albin Countergambit (D08–D09).

Key Positions

After 1.d4 d5 2.c4 – White threatens to exchange the c-pawn for Black's d-pawn, dominating the centre with e2–e4.

Strategic Themes & Plans

White threatens to dominate the centre with e2–e4 after exchanging the c-pawn for Black's d-pawn. Black must decide whether to hold the centre (QGD/Slav), accept the gambit (QGA), or counterattack (Albin, Chigorin). The Queen's Gambit remains one of the most important and deeply analysed opening complexes in chess.