The most common position in the QGA occurs after the moves 2...dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 6.O-O a6, as shown in the diagram. Now White has several good ways to continue.
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7.a4 stops any counterplay by ...b5. After 7...Nc6, White can switch the guard on the d-file with 8.Qe2 cxd4 9.Rd1 Be7 10.exd4 O-O. Black isn't forced to capture the d-Pawn, but can keep the tension with 8...Qc7 or 8...Be7.
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7.Qe2. The Queen move allows d4xc5 without exchanging Queens and also supports an eventual e3-e4. Black's natural move is 7...b5, followed by 8.Bb3 Bb7, when 9.Rd1, 9.a4, and 9.Nc3 can all be played.
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Another well known line is 7...Nc6. Now 8.Nc3 b5 9.Bb3 c4 10.Bc2 Nb4 11.Bb1, avoiding the exchange of the Bishop and preparing 12.e4, is better than 8.Rd1 b5 9.Bb3 c4 10.Bc2 Nb4.
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7.dxc5 is drawish after 7...Qxd1 8.Rxd1.
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Other moves having their adherents are 7.Bb3, 7.Nc3, and 7.Bd3.
