Queens Gambit Accepted

The Queens Gambit Accepted starts with the moves:
1.d4 d5
2.c4 dxc4

Black can change the move order and capture the pawn later on, but this leads to the same position. If Black does not capture the pawn this opening is called the Queen's Gambit Declined.
White has not given the pawn away for free as Black cannot hold on to it anyway but must give it back later.
Black has given up control of the square e4 with 2. ... dxc4 early, so White will try to gain space in the center.
Black must be careful not to get overrun in the center and should weaken the white pawn formation later on by exchanging a white pawn with the moves c5 and then cxd which will create an even position.
Black should try for queenside play to create counterchances.

Return from Queens Gambit Accepted to Chess Opening Moves