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: Albin Countergambit, Fianchetto Variation, Bg4 Line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. g3 Bg4
Queen's Gambit Declined
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Capablanca Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Bg5 h6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Capablanca Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 d5 4. Bg5 c6 5. Nbd2 Nbd7 6. e3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semmering Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Nbd2 Nbd7 6. Bd3 c5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Spielmann Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 c6 5. Nbd2 g6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Stonewall Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Nbd2 Ne4 6. Bd3 f5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Traditional Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Bg5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Vienna Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Bg5 Bb4+
Queen's Gambit Declined: Alapin Variation
1. d4 e6 2. c4 b6 3. Nc3 d5