Openings Database
Queen's Gambit
A strategic opening that challenges the d5-pawn; it is usually not a permanent sacrifice because White can often regain c4.
Reference line
1. d4 d5 2. c4
Position after the reference line
Key ideas
- Force Black to decide how to support the d5-center.
- Develop behind a strong center and use the c- and d-files.
- Regain c4 through natural development if Black accepts.
Typical plan
Develop with Nf3, Nc3, and e3, then choose between recovering c4 and increasing pressure on d5.
Watch for
Trying to recover the pawn immediately can waste time; development matters more than an early chase.
Opening names, ECO codes, and reference lines are aligned with the curated Lichess chess-openings dataset. Plans are concise instructional guidance, not game-result statistics.