Queen's Gambit Accepted: Linares Variation

In the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Linares Variation, white starts with the move 1.d4, aiming to control the center and open lines for their pieces. By playing d4, white puts pressure on the d5 pawn, which black traditionally defends with their pawn on c6. However, in this variation, black accepts the gambit by capturing the d4 pawn with their own pawn, inviting white to apply more pressure on the pawn with moves like e4. This opening allows white to gain control of the center and develop their pieces with a solid pawn structure.

Playing d5 as black after 1. d4 aims to counterattack against white's control of the center and claim space for their own pieces. With this move, black immediately challenges white's pawn on d4, and can later develop their pieces to more active squares. Additionally, playing d5 blocks the c8 bishop and allows the queen's knight to be developed to c6. This move also prepares the freeing pawn break c7-c5, frequently seen in the Queen's Gambit Declined.

By playing c4 after 1. d4 d5, white aims to further control the center and increase their space advantage on the queenside. The move c4 also supports the pawn on d4 and prepares to expand with d5 as a potential threat. Additionally, c4 develops the queenside knight to a more active square while inhibiting black's c6-knight. This move also lays the foundation for many popular openings such as the Queen's Gambit and the English Opening.

In the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Linares Variation, black captures the c4 pawn with their own pawn, dxc4. This move, which is the accepted version of the Queen's Gambit, allows black to potentially create a central pawn majority and gain space. The resulting pawn structure generally consists of white's pawns on c4 and e4 versus black's pawns on c6 and d5, with the possibility of black pushing their pawn to c5 and creating a passed pawn. This move also typically leads to a more tactical game with active piece play.

By playing e4 after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4, white aims to recover the c4 pawn and further control the center. This move also prepares to develop the kingside knight to f3 and castle, completing the development of white's kingside. Additionally, the move e4 creates a central pawn structure with white's pawns on e4 and d5, potentially pressuring black's position in the center. This move also puts pressure on black's bishop on c8, which is blocked by their own pawn on d5.

Playing c5 after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 aims to counterattack in the center and potentially gain a passed pawn. This move breaks up white's pawn structure and challenges the e4 pawn, which may open lines for black's pieces. Additionally, playing c5 prepares black's knight to potentially develop to c6, and may create tactical opportunities as any capture on c5 may open lines for black's queen or rook. This move also aims to seize the initiative before white can fully consolidate their position in the center.

In the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Linares Variation, white's move d5 aims to take control of the center and create pawn pressure on black's position. By playing d5, white also opens up lines for their pieces and gets their light-squared bishop into the game. This move also attacks black's c5 pawn, which is the source of counterplay for black. Additionally, playing d5 helps to maximize the potential of white's pawn on e4, as it supports an eventual f2-f4 pawn break. This move may also limit black's development options and prepare white for a kingside attack.

Playing Nf6 after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 c5 4. d5 aims to develop a knight and pressure white's d5 pawn. The knight on f6 also helps to control important central squares and can be supported by a future pawn push to e5. Additionally, this move can be preparatory for castling kingside. Playing Nf6 also allows black to maintain a pawn on c5, which can potentially grow into a passed pawn if white doesn't take immediate action against it. This move also challenges white's development, targeting the queen on c1 and the light-squared bishop on c4.

By playing Nc3 after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 c5 4. d5 Nf6, white develops a knight and reinforces their control of the center. This move also prepares to castle kingside and connect the rooks. Nc3 is a natural developing move and can potentially challenge black's knight on f6. Additionally, the knight on c3 supports a future pawn push to d4, further expanding white's control of the center and opening lines for their pieces. This move also increases white's pressure on black's central pawn structure.

In the Queen's Gambit Accepted: Linares Variation, black's move b5 aims to create counterplay on the queenside and potentially gain space. This move also challenges white's central pawn structure and prevents the development of the light-squared bishop to b5. Additionally, the pawn on b5 creates weaknesses in white's queenside pawn structure and may give black a target to attack. Playing b5 is also usually followed by a6, kicking the white knight on c3 and possibly forcing some awkward retreats. This move may also open up lines for black's pieces and potentially create tactical opportunities.