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.
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6
FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 3
The Queen's Gambit Declined is a classical and solid response by Black to White's Queen's Gambit (2. c4). By playing 2...e6, Black supports the central pawn on d5 without immediately capturing on c4, aiming to maintain a strong and resilient pawn structure.
Characteristic: This move is characterized by Black's solid and flexible defense, maintaining a strong pawn presence in the center and preparing for smooth development of pieces, especially the dark-squared bishop and knights.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this opening is primarily defensive, focusing on solidifying the center and avoiding early weaknesses. White, on the other hand, maintains the initiative and tries to exert pressure on Black's center and queenside.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. White challenges Black's central pawn on d5, while Black reinforces it with e6, leading to a tense but balanced fight for central control.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 451 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Declined to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.