Top-Level Repertoire against Queen's Gambit Accepted
We are excited to present a comprehensive new course by GM Igor Lysyj, Top-Level Repertoire Against the Queen's Gambit Accepted. This course is designed to provide White with a complete, high-quality repertoire against one of the most reliable defenses in modern chess—1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4.
With 12 theoretical chapters, 24 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (3h 34min running time), GM Lysyj meticulously guides you through the complexities of this classical opening.
Why 3.Nf3?
In his introduction, GM Lysyj explains his preference for 3.Nf3 as White’s most practical and effective response to the Queen's Gambit Accepted:
- Avoid Complex Theory: Compared to 3.e4, this move avoids the immense theoretical workload associated with sharp, intricate lines.
- Sidestep 3...e5: Unlike 3.e3, White bypasses Black’s challenging 3...e5 response, maintaining flexibility and safety.
INTRODUCTION BY GM IGOR LYSYJ
The starting position of the current repertoire against Queen's Gambit Accepted is reached after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3
The Queen's Gambit Accepted (QGA) is one of the most popular and reliable openings in modern chess practice. In this course, I present my perspective on playing against this classical defense. My recommendations are based on the move 3.Nf3, chosen for the following reasons:
- After 3.e4, White must navigate a significant amount of complex theoretical variations.
- After 3.e3, White has to contend with the highly challenging 3...e5, which can be difficult to handle.
For many years, the main theoretical focus after 3.Nf3 has been on the sequence 3...Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 6.0-0 a6. In the last decade, however, the alternative 6...Nc6 has gained significant popularity. These main lines are thoroughly examined in the third part of the course.
Modern theory of the 3.Nf3 variation, however, extends far beyond these main lines. Black has numerous alternative setups that you need to be prepared for when adopting this approach as White. Exploring, classifying, and providing solutions for these options are among the key objectives of this course.
I believe the material in the first two parts of the course is just as practically important as the foundational theory covered in the third part. Some of Black’s lesser-known possibilities may even surprise you—they certainly surprised me while preparing this course!
Part 1 - Lines Without ...Nf6
In the first part of the course we will discuss Black's possibilities that involve delaying the development of the knight on f6 or even its development on e7. The main topic of the first chapter will be the plan of temporary holding of the pawn c4 after 3...b5 with further c7-c6. From White requires great accuracy in the struggle for the opening initiative. Certainly, the continuations 3...c5, 3...a6 and 3...e6 from the Chapters 2-4 can just change the move order before developing the knight g8 and moving into the main lines. However, each of these moves has its own individual specificity. Independent value of these options will be the focus of our attention in the first part. I especially want to speak about Chapter 3. The 3...a6 and 4...b5 plan leads to pawn exchanges and an almost symmetrical pawn structure. A lot of players refuse 3.Nf3 precisely because of this possibility of Black. I'm sure that the idea of Qd1-b3-d3 with the black pawn on c7 will allow us to look at White's prospects with optimism.
Part 2 - Sidelines after 3...Nf6 4.e3
In the second part of the course, we will examine Black's alternatives to the main lines after the development of the knight to f6. Key plans include:
- Positions with the bishop developed to g4: Aimed at creating dynamic counterplay.
- Early ...a6 and ...b5 pawn advances: White counters with Bd3 and a2-a4.
- Pawn on b4: A strategic structure favoring White.
- Early Bf8-e7: Inspired by World Champion games, this solid approach is worth careful study.
- Knight on d7: Often leads to passive positions for Black.
- Isolated pawn on d4: A critical structure arising from cxd4 exd4, offering White dynamic chances.
Part 3 - Main Lines
In the final part (chapters 10-12) we will discuss Black's classical main lines 6...Nc6 and 6... a6. Certainly, modern engines prove the reliability of Black's position. But I hope my proposed ideas will create practical problems for your opponents. The position after 6...Nc6 7.a3 a6 8.Ba2 (chapter 10) was practically never met in tournament practice. And the line 6...a6 7.Be2 (chapters 11-12) creates problems for natural development by 7...b5 or 7...Nc6.
SAMPLE CHAPTER
SAMPLE VIDEO