Opening Overview
Queen's Gambit Declined
171 linesAbout This Opening
Queen's Gambit Declined is a gambit-style opening that prioritizes initiative, piece activity, and practical complications.
The main practical question is whether the side offering material can keep the initiative long enough to justify the concession. Expect open lines, active pieces, and tactical moments around the king and center.
For training, focus on the standard responses, the point where the gambit can be accepted or declined, and the central counterplay that prevents the attack from becoming one-sided.
Key ideas
- Typical theme: activity and initiative over immediate material balance.
- Watch for early tactical shots and forcing move orders.
- Best for players who want sharp, practical positions.
- Study both acceptance and refusal plans so you know the main branches.
Choose a variation
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Exchange Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Kmoch Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4 Nxc3 7. bxc3 cxd4 8. cxd4 Bb4+ 9. Bd2 Bxd2+ 10. Qxd2 O-O 11. Bb5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Pillsbury Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, San Sebastian Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 c5 7. Nf3 cxd4 8. cxd4 Bb4+ 9. Bd2 Qa5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e3 Nc6 7. Bd3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. cxd5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Canal Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. cxd5 Qb6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Primitive Pillsbury Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Qxd4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5 7. Ndb5 a6 8. Qa4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Alekhine Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nbd7 5. Nf3 c6 6. e4