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: Exchange Variation, Chameleon Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 O-O 7. Bd3 Nbd7 8. Qc2 Re8 9. Nge2 Nf8 10. O-O-O
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Positional Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Positional Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Harrwitz Attack
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bf4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Normal Defense
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. Qc2
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. Qc2 Be7 7. e3 Nbd7 8. Bd3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. Qc2 Be7 7. e3 O-O 8. Bd3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. Qc2 Be7 7. e3 O-O 8. Bd3 h6 9. Bh4
Queen's Gambit Declined: Barmen Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Nbd7
Queen's Gambit Declined: Harrwitz Attack
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4