Theoria
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Queen's Gambit Accepted

Linares Variation

D20tacticaloffbeat

  1. 1.d4d5
  2. 2.c4dxc4
  3. 3.e4c5
  4. 4.d5Nf6
  5. 5.Nc3b5
191 games41%54%

A rare, sharp branch of the Queen's Gambit Accepted in which Black meets White's broad center with ...c5 and ...b5, supporting the extra pawn on c4.

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About the Linares Variation

The Linares Variation comes from the 3. e4 line of the Queen's Gambit Accepted. After 3...c5 4. d5 Nf6 5. Nc3, Black meets the advanced d-pawn with 5...b5 in a Benoni-like structure. The b-pawn props up the extra pawn on c4 and claims queenside space. The most common reply, 6. Nxb5, takes the pawn, while 6. e5 drives at the f6-knight. The engine gives White a slight edge. The line is rarely played, though Black has scored well with it online.

Popular continuations