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: Orthodox Defense
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Botvinnik Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Bd3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rauzer Variation
1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Qb3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Qc2
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Variation, Flohr Line
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Qc2 c5 8. cxd5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation
1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 b6 8. cxd5 exd5 9. Bb5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Henneberger Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 a6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Main Line
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Rc1
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Main Line
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 c6
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Pillsbury Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 b6 8. cxd5 exd5 9. Bd3
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Swiss, Carlsbad Variation
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 a6 8. cxd5
Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Rubinstein Attack
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 c6 8. Qc2