Chessy
Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System, Steinitz Countergambit Accepted
This position comes from the Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System, Steinitz Countergambit Accepted after 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 c5 3.dxc5. It is Black to move, and the position is completely balanced in practice. That makes it a useful drill: you are not trying to memorise a forced win, but to meet the most natural replies with sound development and good judgment. Play the position below and learn which moves keep the game simple.
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Create a free account →What the position is really about
After 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 c5 3.dxc5, White has grabbed a pawn, but Black gets immediate chances to free the position and recover the material. The engine judges this as dead level, so your goal is not to prove an advantage right away. Instead, focus on development, safe piece placement, and making sure your extra pawn does not become a target. In this kind of structure, clean play matters more than tactics.
The move the engine likes most
Stockfish rates this +0.03, a tiny edge for White. That means you are basically equal here. The engine's top choice is e6, continuing e6 Nf3 Bxc5 e3, which fits a simple plan: open lines for the dark-squared bishop, regain activity, and keep the position under control. If you are playing White, you should be ready for Black to challenge your c5 pawn quickly and try to regain the pawn with active piece play.
What the database says
The practical results are not dramatic, but they do show that both sides have real chances. Across 298,090 games at this exact position, White wins 44.6%, draws 3.5%, and Black wins 51.8%. That tells you the position is playable, but also that careless handling can go badly. The opening is not about forcing an early edge; it is about making the next few moves accurately and keeping your development smooth.
Replies you will see most often
The most common continuations help you prepare for what comes next:
- Nc6: 167,033 games, White scores 43.0%
- e6: 77,127 games, White scores 43.6%
- Qa5+: 27,246 games, White scores 53.0%
- Nf6: 8,388 games, White scores 44.8%
- Bf5: 7,284 games, White scores 48.5%
- e5: 4,306 games, White scores 55.2%
The point of the drill is to notice that Black usually develops naturally and only occasionally goes for something sharper. Keep your eye on piece activity and do not spend time chasing ghosts; the simplest answer is often the best one.
Mistakes worth punishing
Two moves are singled out as errors in this position. Bf5 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.8 pawns; better was e6. e5 is a mistake and loses about 1.4 pawns; better was e6. That is a useful practical lesson: when Black pushes too freely, the position can drift away from them. As White, stay alert for those overreaches and be ready to keep the extra pawn or gain time against loose development.
Results across 298,090 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Nc6 | 167,033 | 43.0% |
| e6 | 77,127 | 43.6% |
| Qa5+ | 27,246 | 53.0% |
| Nf6 | 8,388 | 44.8% |
| Bf5 | 7,284 | 48.5% |
| e5 | 4,306 | 55.2% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main idea for White in this opening?
White grabs the c5 pawn and then has to handle Black's quick central counterplay. The position is equal, so your main job is to develop well and avoid letting the extra pawn become a liability.
Is this opening good for beginners?
Yes, if you want a clear, practical position rather than a sharp memorised line. The engine evaluation is dead level, so you can focus on basic opening principles: development, safety, and active pieces.
What should I expect Black to play most often?
You should expect Nc6 and e6 very often, with Qa5+, Nf6, Bf5, and e5 also appearing. The drill helps you get used to these natural developing moves and the best response ideas against them.
Which replies are dangerous for Black?
Bf5 and e5 are the ones highlighted as mistakes or inaccuracies. If Black chooses those moves, the position can become easier for you because they give up some evaluation and make it easier to keep control.
How many games feature the Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System, Steinitz Countergambit Accepted?
Over 298K Lichess games have reached the Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System, Steinitz Countergambit Accepted position. White wins 44.6%, Black wins 51.8%, with 3.5% draws — based on real rated games.