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: Queen's Knight Variation
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3
FEN: rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/2PP4/2N5/PP2PPPP/R1BQKBNR b KQkq - 1 3
The Queen's Knight Variation is characterized by White's development of the knight to c3 early, supporting the central pawn on d4 and aiming to increase control over the center squares, especially d5. This move puts immediate pressure on Black's central pawn at d5 and prepares for harmonious piece development.
From White's perspective, this variation is attacking in nature, as it seeks to challenge Black's central presence and maintain strong influence over the center. Black's response with ...e6 is typically defensive, reinforcing the d5 pawn and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop.
The opening strongly emphasizes control and contestation of the center. White aims to assert central dominance through pawns and piece activity, while Black aims to hold the center solidly and wait for counterplay opportunities.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Queen's Knight Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 277 - Move #6 white
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Declined: Queen's Knight Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.