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.
Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nf6
This variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined is characterized by Black developing the knight to f6 early, instead of the more common 2...e6. By playing 2...Nf6, Black immediately puts pressure on the d4 pawn and prepares to challenge White's center more actively.
From Black's perspective, this move is somewhat flexible and can lead to both solid and dynamic positions. It is more of a defensive setup aimed at maintaining a strong foothold in the center without conceding too much space. White, on the other hand, aims to maintain central control and can choose to build up pressure on Black's center.
Regarding the center, both sides fight for control early on. White's c4 move challenges Black's d5 pawn, while Black's knight on f6 supports the d5 pawn and contests White's central influence. Thus, this opening involves active central play from both sides.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 245 - Move #5 white