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
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Balogh Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 Qe7
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Janowski Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 f6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Krenosz Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 Bg4 6. h3 Bxf3 7. Nxf3 Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Qe7
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Lasker Trap
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Modern Line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Normal Line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Spassky Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Tartakower Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 c5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Fianchetto Variation
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. g3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Fianchetto Variation, Be6 Line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. g3 Be6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Fianchetto Variation, Bf5 Line
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. g3 Bf5