Queen's Gambit
White offers a flank pawn to challenge the central d-pawn. Black may accept or defend the center; learn how that first choice changes piece development and the pawn structure.
Your plan as White
Challenge d5 with c4 while preparing to develop behind a strong center.
The opponent’s plan
Choose a consistent response: defend d5, accept c4, or counterattack the center.
Watch out: The c-pawn offer often leads to central play, not a permanent pawn sacrifice.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
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Name, background and sources
The opening appears in the Göttingen manuscript around 1490. It became central to master practice, including the 1927 Alekhine–Capablanca world championship match.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.