Queen's Gambit facts for kids

The Queen's Gambit is a famous way to start a chess game. It begins with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4. White offers a pawn on c4. This opening is called a "gambit" because White offers a pawn. However, it's not a true gambit. This is because Black usually cannot keep the extra pawn.

Here's a simple example of how White can win the pawn back:

1.d4 d5

2.c4 dxc4

3.e3 b5

4.a4 c6

5.axb5 cxb5

6.Qf3

After these moves, White's queen attacks the pawn on b5. White will win it back.

Players have different ways to respond to the Queen's Gambit. Here are some common ones:

• 2...dxc4 is called the Queen's Gambit Accepted. Black takes the pawn.
• 2...e6 is the Queen's Gambit Declined. Black does not take the pawn.
• 2...c6 is known as the Slav Defence. This is a very popular choice.
• 2...Nc6 is the Chigorin's Defence.

What is the Queen's Gambit Accepted?

The Queen's Gambit Accepted happens when Black plays 2...dxc4. Black takes the pawn that White offers. By taking this pawn, Black gives up control of the center of the board.

White's goal is to control the center. Black's plan is to attack White's central pawns later.

Here is a common sequence of moves in the Queen's Gambit Accepted:

1.d4 d5

2.c4 dxc4

3.Nf3 Nf6

4.e3 e6

5.Bxc4 c5

6.0-0 a6

7.Qe2 b5

8.Bb3 Bb7

9.Rd1 Nbd7

10.Nc3 Qc7

The QGA

	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h
8									8
7									7
6									6
5									5
4									4
3									3
2									2
1									1
	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

position after 10...Qc7

In this position, White has a strong center. Black has developed pieces and is ready to challenge White's control.

See also

In Spanish: Gambito de dama para niños

Images for kids

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