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: Charousek Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7
Queen's Gambit Declined: Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Janowski Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 a6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Queen's Knight Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Slav, Abrahams Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. Nf3 dxc4 5. a4 Bb4 6. e3 b5 7. Bd2 a5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Slav, Junge Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bb4 6. e3 b5 7. Bd2 Qb6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Slav, Koomen Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c6 4. Nf3 dxc4 5. e3 b5 6. a4 Bb4 7. Bd2 Qe7
Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Stoltz Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. g3 Nc6 6. Bg2 Nf6 7. O-O Be7 8. Nc3 O-O 9. Bg5 Be6 10. Rc1 b6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. e3 b6 5. Nc3 Bd6 6. cxd5 exd5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Carlsen Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 h6 7. Bh4 Bg4