1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Queen's Gambit
1.d4 d5 2.c4ECO D06–D69
Not a true gambit — White offers the c-pawn to deflect Black's d-pawn and build a big centre, and almost always regains it. The backbone of classical chess and a superb way to learn positional play.
Key ideas
- c4 pressures d5; if Black takes, White regains the pawn and dominates the centre.
- In the Declined (…e6), Black is solid but must free the light-squared bishop.
- Rich in classic plans: the minority attack, hanging pawns, and the isolated queen's pawn.
Who it suits
Players who want to learn positional chess and classic strategic plans with White.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Queen's Gambit move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer