Queen's Pawn Game

One of the most popular openings, the Queen’s Pawn Game (1. d4) aims to control the center, opening up lines for the dark squared bishop and putting a pawn on the queenside, instead of the kingside as seen in the King’s Pawn Game. The move discourages 1… e5 and 1… Nc6 which could otherwise be seen from the King’s Pawn Game.

The Queen’s Pawn Game can branch out in a variety of ways, including 1… d5, 1… Nf6, 1… e6, or 1… f5, typically sending games in more aggressive and strategic directions. For instance, the Grünfeld Defense initially concedes the center, giving rise to imbalance positions where both sides aim to fight for a win. On the other hand, openings such as the Triangle Slav attempt to mount an impenetrable defense against any of white’s potential advances, also leading to sharp fighting games.

For white, there are also many plans, including some system style approaches, including the London System (2. Bf4), or approaches that seek to fight for the center, namely 2. c4.