Queen's Gambit Accepted: Classical Defense, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation (D26)

The Classical Defense, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Accepted, catalogued as ECO D26. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O cxd4, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Black 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, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after six moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; the c-file file is fully open.

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.

Position characteristics

• Black material edge
• Open file

Related Queen's Gambit Accepted lines

• Main Line
• Classical Defense
• Classical Defense, Normal Line
• Classical Defense, Steinitz Variation, Development Variation
• Classical, Furman Variation
• Normal Variation, Traditional System
• Normal Variation, Traditional System
• Normal Variation, Traditional System
• Linares Variation
• Old Variation, Billinger Gambit
• Old Variation, Christensen Gambit
• Old Variation, Korchnoi Gambit

See all 30 Queen's Gambit Accepted variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Defense, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation?

The Classical Defense, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O cxd4. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO D26.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Defense, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation?

The Classical Defense, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation is ECO D26. 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, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation 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 cxd4 at +0.46 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, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation lead to?

Black 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, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; the c-file file is fully open.