Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Rubinstein Defense, Yefimov Gambit

In the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Rubinstein Defense, Yefimov Gambit, the move 1. d4 is played by White, which aims to control the central squares on the board. By pushing the d-pawn two squares forward, White opens a path for the light-squared bishop and the queen to enter the game. This move also puts pressure on Black's d5-pawn, the backbone of Black's position. White hopes to create a pawn center and gain control of the board.

In response to White's 1. d4 move, Black plays 1... d5 with the aim of challenging White's control of the central squares. This move also opens up a path for the dark-squared bishop and prepares Black's own pawn center. By pushing the d-pawn, Black closes the diagonal of White's c1-bishop and restricts its mobility. Additionally, this move stops any potential pawn pushes by White to create a strong pawn center. In sum, 1... d5 is a solid and classical response by Black.

After the initial move by both sides, 1. d4 d5, White plays c4 to further increase their control of the center. This move is known as the Queen's Gambit, where White offers a gambit pawn on c4 to take control of the center. The move also opens up a path for the queen and bishop on the c1-h6 diagonal. By playing c4, White also threatens to push their d-pawn forward to establish a strong pawn center. This move is very popular and has been a favorite of many grandmasters, making it a highly regarded opening.

In the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Rubinstein Defense, Yefimov Gambit, Black plays dxc4 in response to White's c4 move. By capturing the c4-pawn with the d5-pawn, Black accepts the gambit and gains a pawn in the center. This move also opens up the diagonal of the queen and bishop, giving Black potential attacking opportunities. Additionally, capturing the pawn on c4 prevents White from establishing a strong pawn center. Black can also choose to decline the gambit by playing moves like e6 or Nf6, but capturing the pawn can lead to a complex and tactical game.

After Black has captured the pawn on c4, White plays e4 to regain control over the center. This move aims to push Black's d5-pawn off the central square, and White can then establish a strong pawn center with d4 and e4 pawns. This move also opens up the bishop on c1's diagonal, putting pressure on the d5-pawn and the black king's side. Additionally, e4 increases the mobility of the white pieces and leads to a more aggressive and attacking game. However, this move can also be risky as it weakens the pawn on d4 and can create potential weak squares later in the game.

After White plays e4, Black seeks to counterattack in the center with the move c5. This move takes control of the d4-square and challenges White's pawn center. By playing c5, Black intends to disrupt White's plans and gain more space on the board. This move also opens up the queen and bishop's diagonal and puts pressure on White's pawn on d4, potentially leading to exchanges or weakening White's pawn structure. However, playing c5 too early can also lead to a disadvantageous position as it creates potential weaknesses in Black's pawn structure, allowing White to attack later in the game.

In the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Central Variation, Rubinstein Defense, Yefimov Gambit, after Black plays c5 to counterattack in the center, White can further advance their pawn structure by playing d5. This move aims to open up lines for the queen and bishop and gain more space on the board. By playing d5, White hopes to create a passed pawn on the d-file and put pressure on Black's position. This move also threatens to capture the c5-pawn and double Black's pawns, potentially weakening Black's pawn structure. However, playing d5 too early can also lead to White's pawn becoming isolated and a potential target for attack later in the game.

After White plays d5, Black can react by playing b5, seeking to gain space on the queen's side and prevent White's pawn from advancing to c6. This move also opens up lines for Black's queen and bishop on the b7-d5 diagonal. By playing b5, Black creates a potential target in the form of the b5-pawn, but it can also lead to potential counterplay and an opportunity to attack White's center. However, it is important to note that playing b5 too early can also lead to weaknesses in Black's pawn structure, and White can take advantage of this by attacking later in the game.