Closed games

Queen's Gambit

1.d4 d5 2.c4

The Queen's Gambit starts with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 and is catalogued under ECO D06, in the closed games half of the book. The catalog indexes 1 line inside it, grouped into 1 named variation, and the position after those moves has 9 playable continuations to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Queen's Gambit
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h

Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1…d5

    Mirrors White’s central claim and prevents an easy e4 expansion.

    Idea: Establish a firm center and develop behind the pawn chain.

  3. 2.c4

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

9 moves
e6Queen's Gambit Declined96 named lines · Tarrasch Defense · Queen's Gambit AcceptedAdvances to e6 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.c6Slav Defense85 named lines · Semi-Slav Defense · Queen's Gambit DeclinedAdvances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.dxc4Queen's Gambit Accepted47 named lines · Queen's Gambit Accepted: Slav Gambit · Queen's Gambit Accepted: Old VariationCaptures the pawn on c4 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.Idea: Open lines in the queenside and reshape the center for the next phase.e5Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit13 named lines · Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Lasker Trap · Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Modern LineAdvances to e5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.Nc6Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense9 named lines · Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense, Main Line · Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense, Lazard GambitDevelops the knight to c6, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.Bf5Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense5 named lines · Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense, Queen Attack · Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense, Pseudo-ChigorinDevelops the bishop to f5, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.c5Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Defense5 named lines · Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, with e3 · Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Attack, Salvio CountergambitAdvances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.Nf6Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense2 named lines · Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense, Tan GambitDevelops the knight to f6, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.b5Queen's Gambit Declined: Zilbermints Gambit1 named lineAdvances the b-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.Idea: Prepare a fianchetto or discourage the opponent’s expansion on that wing.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Queen's Gambit. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

Openings from the same volume

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Queen's Gambit.