Queen's Gambit Accepted: Classical Defense, Main Line (D27)

The Classical Defense, Main Line is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Accepted, catalogued as ECO D27. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O a6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.

On the Queen's Gambit Accepted generally: Black accepts the gambit pawn but usually cannot hold it. Leads to active play for both sides.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Queen's Gambit Accepted: Classical Defense, Main Line — position after a6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O a6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4dxc4
3Nf3Nf6
4e3e6
5Bxc4c5
6O-Oa6

ECO: D27

Stockfish: +0.35 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Defense, Main Line?

The Classical Defense, Main Line goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O a6. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO D27.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Defense, Main Line?

The Classical Defense, Main Line is ECO D27. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Gambit Accepted.

Is the Classical Defense, Main Line good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O a6 at +0.35 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Classical Defense, Main Line lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted.