Opening Overview

Queen's Gambit Declined

171 lines
white repertoire

About 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
D38 8 plies
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Bb4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Ragozin Defense, Alekhine Variation
D38 9 plies
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Qa4+
Queen's Gambit Declined: Westphalian Variation
D38 12 plies
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
D39 10 plies
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Bg5 dxc4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
D40 8 plies
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Levenfish Variation
D40 19 plies
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
D40 9 plies
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. Bg5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Symmetrical Variation
D40 14 plies
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
D41 9 plies
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
D41 10 plies
1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 d5 5. d4 e6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Endgame Variation
D41 15 plies
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
D41 11 plies
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e4