Playing the Queen's Gambit

The power of the Queen’s Gambit is beyond question, even though it allows some serious defences – the Slav and Semi-Slav are favoured by the elite, Kasparov was playing the Queen’s Gambit Accepted until he retired, and the Queen’s Gambit Declined has been trusted for a century.

The principled way for White to build a repertoire after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 is to play the critical main lines. Take as much space as possible – no compromises. That is Lars Schandorff’s attitude and so his choice is clear:

5.Bg5 against the Semi-Slav
6.Ne5 versus the 5...Bf5 main line Slav
3.e4 against the Queen’s Gambit Accepted
The Exchange Variation versus the Queen’s Gambit Declined
5.c5 against the 4...a6-Slav
4.cxd5 and 5.Bg5 versus the Queen's Gambit Declined

The Tarrasch, Chigorin, Albin and all minor lines are also met with the same vigour – this is a complete White repertoire after 1.d4 d5 2.c4.

Lars Schandorff is a grandmaster from Denmark who is renowned on the international circuit for the depth of his opening preparation.