QUEEN’S GAMBIT · SIX LESSONS FOR WHITE
Challenge the centre.
Choose the right plan.
Start with 1.d4 d5 2.c4, then let Black’s pawn structure guide you. These six friendly lessons explain the purpose of the moves, the positions you are trying to reach and the plans that continue long after the opening.
← All free lessonsBuild the position
with purpose
Understand what 2.c4 offers, where your pieces belong and when to keep or release the central tension.
Begin the course → LESSON 2 · 2…dxc4Queen’s Gambit
Accepted
Recover the c4-pawn through development, challenge …b5 and build a strong centre without rushing.
Read lesson 2 → LESSON 3 · 2…e6Queen’s Gambit
Declined
Develop with pressure, understand Black’s cramped bishop and choose between tension, exchange and e4.
Read lesson 3 → LESSON 4 · 2…c6Meet the
Slav Defence
Handle …Bf5 and …dxc4, stop Black from keeping the pawn and find useful central breaks.
Read lesson 4 → LESSON 5 · THE CARLSBADExchange Variation
& minority attack
Create a queenside weakness with b4–b5 while respecting Black’s central and kingside counterplay.
Read lesson 5 → LESSON 6 · COMPLETE YOUR MAPSidelines &
practical repertoire
Meet the Albin, Chigorin, Baltic and Marshall setups, then bring the whole course together.
Finish the course →Your Queen’s Gambit decision map
- Black captures on c4: develop, play e3 and recover with Bxc4.
- Black supports d5 with …e6: pressure the centre and watch for …c5 or …e5.
- Black supports d5 with …c6: expect …Bf5 or …dxc4 and keep developing.
- The centre becomes Carlsbad: prepare b4–b5 or a well-supported e4 break.
- Black counterattacks immediately: solve the new problem before returning to your normal setup.