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Chess openings · ECO D06–D69 · Updated October 10, 2026
Queen’s Gambit: Declined, Accepted, Slav and traps
The Queen’s Gambit is one of the oldest and most respected openings. White offers the c-pawn to lure Black’s d-pawn away from the center. It is not a true gambit: Black usually cannot keep the pawn without problems.
Starts with: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 · ECO: D06–D69
Queen’s Gambit Declined
Black holds the center with ...e6 and develops solidly. Stockfish: about equal (+0.2).
Trap to know: the Elephant Trap
White thinks the f6 knight is pinned, but 6...Nxd5! 7.Bxd8 Bb4+ wins back the queen and leaves Black a piece up (Stockfish about −3.7).
Queen’s Gambit Accepted
After 2...dxc4 Black gives back the center for free development. White usually plays e3 or Nf3 and recovers the pawn with Bxc4. Trying to hold the pawn is a classic mistake:
The queen hits the a8 rook down the long diagonal and Black loses material. Stockfish: about +3.1 for White.
The Slav (2...c6)
Black defends d5 with the c-pawn, keeping the light-squared bishop free. A solid, popular alternative to the QGD.
Plans
White
- Minority attack (b4–b5) in Exchange structures.
- Central e4 break when well prepared.
Black
- Free the position with ...c5 or ...e5.
- Solve the light-squared bishop problem (via ...b6 and ...Bb7, or in the Slav, ...Bf5).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Queen’s Gambit a real gambit?
Not really. If Black takes on c4 and tries to keep the pawn, White usually wins it back or gets a big advantage.
Should I accept the Queen’s Gambit?
Accepting (2...dxc4) is fine if you give the pawn back and develop. Declining with 2...e6 or 2...c6 (the Slav) is also very solid.
What is the Elephant Trap?
In the Queen’s Gambit Declined, after 4...Nbd7 5.cxd5 exd5, the greedy 6.Nxd5?? loses to 6...Nxd5 7.Bxd8 Bb4+.
Is the Queen’s Gambit good for beginners?
Yes. The ideas are classical and clear, and it teaches central control and piece development.