ECO code: D06
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined: 2...Bf5 3.cxd5 Bxb1 4.Rxb1
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Bf5 3. cxd5 Bxb1 4. Rxb1
Description: This variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined features an early ...Bf5 by Black, aiming to develop the bishop outside the pawn chain before solidifying the center. After White captures on d5, Black grabs the b1-rook's square by taking the knight on b1, forcing White to recapture with the rook. This leads to an imbalanced position where Black has given up the center pawn temporarily and exchanged a bishop for a knight early.
Characteristic: The key characteristic of this line is Black's willingness to exchange the bishop for the knight on b1 early, which is unusual and can lead to dynamic play. Black prioritizes active piece play and challenges White’s queenside structure at the cost of conceding some central control.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this line is somewhat attacking as it seeks to undermine White’s queenside development and create imbalance. White’s approach remains positional and central, aiming to maintain a strong pawn center and better piece coordination.
Center Control: White maintains strong control over the center with pawns on d4 and c4 initially, although the early exchanges offer Black chances to contest it later. Overall, the opening focuses on contesting the center rather than outright attacking or neglecting 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.cxd5 Bxb1 4.Rxb1, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #9 white