Queen's Pawn Game: Krause Variation: what to play after c5?

In the Queen's Pawn Game: Krause Variation (ECO D02), White's top-scoring and engine-preferred continuation is c4. This move directly contests central space, scoring 55.3% for White with an engine evaluation of +0.29. By striking immediately at the d5 point, White transitions into active Queen's Gambit-style structures that challenge Black's central presence.

The Strategic Value of c4

While c4 represents the highest-ranked engine choice, it has appeared in 19.1% of the 6,987,064 games recorded at this position (1.34M recorded). Striking at Black's pawn chain creates immediate central tension. An illustrative engine continuation demonstrates how dynamic play unfolds: c4 Nf6 cxd5 cxd4 Qa4+ Qd7. In this sequence, White exerts queenside pressure while challenging Black's central coordination.

Openings with Solid Pawn Chains

Players seeking more classical setups often favor pawn reinforcements rather than immediate expansion. The move e3 is the most frequent choice, occurring in 28.5% of games (1.99M recorded) with a +0.09 evaluation, typically continuing with e3 e6 c4 Nc6 dxc5 Bxc5. Similarly, c3 provides solid defensive support to the d4 pawn in 18.8% of games (1.32M recorded, scoring 52.3%), leading to stable continuations like c3 e6 Bf4 Bd6 Bg3 Nf6.

Alternative Continuations

White can also resolve the central tension directly with dxc5, selected in 17.3% of games (1.21M recorded) and evaluated at +0.12. This approach can lead to open piece play, as shown in dxc5 e6 e4 Bxc5 Nc3 Nf6. Lastly, the development Bf4 is chosen in 16.3% of games (1.14M recorded), scoring 52.0% with an engine evaluation of +0.00, where play can continue Bf4 cxd4 c3 dxc3 Nxc3 Nf6.