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: Ragozin Defense
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Bb4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Ragozin Defense, Alekhine Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Qa4+
Queen's Gambit Declined: Westphalian Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Bg5 Nbd7 6. e3 c5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Ragozin Defense, Vienna Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Bg5 dxc4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Levenfish Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. e3 Nc6 6. Bd3 Bd6 7. O-O O-O 8. Qe2 Qe7 9. dxc5 Bxc5 10. e4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Pillsbury Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. Bg5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Symmetrical Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. e3 Nc6 6. Bd3 Bd6 7. O-O O-O
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 d5 5. d4 e6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Endgame Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 cxd4 6. Qxd4 exd5 7. e4 dxe4 8. Qxd8+
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