ECO code: D06
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined: 2...Bf5 3.Nf3 e6
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Bf5 3. Nf3 e6
Description: This line is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined where Black develops the bishop outside the pawn chain early with 2...Bf5. By playing 3...e6, Black solidifies the center and prepares to support the d5 pawn while keeping a flexible and solid structure. The move 2...Bf5 is characteristic because it avoids the passive development of the light-squared bishop behind the e6 pawn, aiming for active piece play.
Characteristic: The early bishop development to f5 is designed to maintain active piece placement and prevent White from easily gaining central dominance. Black commits to a solid but somewhat passive setup with e6, balancing between piece activity and structural soundness.
Strategy: From Black's perspective, this setup is primarily defensive, focusing on maintaining a strong central presence and preparing for gradual counterplay. For White, the position encourages an attacking stance, aiming to challenge Black’s center and exploit the slightly awkward placement of Black’s bishop if possible.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center actively. White aims to control the center with pawns on d4 and c4, while Black supports the d5 pawn with e6 and develops pieces to maintain central tension. The opening definitely involves fighting for control of the center rather than ignoring it.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the QGD: 2...Bf5 3.Nf3 e6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #6 white