ECO code: D06
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined (QGD): 2...Bf5 3.cxd5
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Bf5 3. cxd5
FEN: rn1qkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3P1b2/3P4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR b KQkq - 0 3
The move 3.cxd5 is characteristic of White immediately challenging Black's pawn on d5 after Black has developed the bishop outside the pawn chain to f5. This early exchange aims to open the center and test Black's setup before Black can fully consolidate their position.
From White's perspective, this move is assertive and attacking, striving for central control and attempting to exploit the fact that Black's bishop is already developed outside the pawn chain. For Black, the move requires a solid and sometimes defensive response to maintain central tension and avoid structural weaknesses.
This opening sequence directly contests the center. White’s capture on d5 forces a decision about the central pawn structure, leading to dynamic play where control of the center is crucial for both sides.
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.cxd5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 10 - Move #8 white