ECO code: D08
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin, Alapin Variation, 5...Bg4
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 Bg4
This variation arises from the Albin Counter-Gambit, where Black immediately challenges White's center with 2...e5. After White captures on e5 and Black pushes the pawn to d4, both sides develop their knights actively. The move 5...Bg4 pins White's knight on f3, increasing pressure on White's center and aiming to provoke weaknesses.
Characteristic of 5...Bg4: This move is a thematic developing move that pins White's knight, indirectly attacking White’s control over the e5 pawn and central squares. It seeks to interfere with White's kingside development and can lead to tactical pressure on the center and the knight on d2.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black's perspective, 5...Bg4 is an attacking move, aiming to create tension and active play against White's center and pieces. For White, it is a challenge that requires careful handling to maintain central control and avoid being tied down by the pin.
Center Control: This opening is very much about contesting the center. Black aggressively challenges White's central pawns early on, and 5...Bg4 supports this strategy by putting pressure on White's pieces that defend the center. Thus, the opening actively targets center control rather than avoiding 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: Albin, Alapin, 5...Bg4, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #9 white