Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation (D08)

The Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D08. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 Bg4 6. h3 Bxf3 7. Nxf3 Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Qe7, reaching the position shown below after 16 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after eight moves. White has doubled pawns on the e-file; White has the bishop pair.

On the Queen's Gambit Declined generally: A solid and respected response to the Queen's Gambit. Black maintains a strong central presence.

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Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation — position after Qe7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 Bg4 6. h3 Bxf3 7. Nxf3 Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Qe7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e5
3dxe5d4
4Nf3Nc6
5Nbd2Bg4
6h3Bxf3
7Nxf3Bb4+
8Bd2Qe7

ECO: D08

Stockfish: +0.68 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Gambit Declined lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation?

The Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 Bg4 6. h3 Bxf3 7. Nxf3 Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Qe7. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D08.

What is the ECO code for the Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation?

The Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation is ECO D08. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Is the Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 Bg4 6. h3 Bxf3 7. Nxf3 Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Qe7 at +0.68 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at three minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White has doubled pawns on the e-file; White has the bishop pair.