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: Exchange Variation
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5
FEN: rnbqkb1r/ppp2ppp/5n2/3p4/3P4/2N5/PP2PPPP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 0 5
The Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined arises after White captures on d5 with 4. cxd5, and Black recaptures with the e-pawn (exd5). This symmetrical pawn structure is the defining characteristic of this line, often leading to balanced positions and subtle strategic play.
Characteristic: The Exchange Variation is known for its symmetrical pawn structure, which tends to reduce immediate tension in the center and often leads to a more positional and strategic battle rather than sharp tactics.
Playing Style: From White's perspective, this opening is generally positional and can be used to exert long-term pressure, aiming to exploit small weaknesses in Black's camp. It is not highly aggressive but does create chances through better piece activity and potential minority attacks on Black's queenside. Black usually adopts a solid and somewhat defensive posture, aiming for equalizing chances and counterplay based on the symmetrical structure.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center but with less immediate tension compared to other Queen's Gambit Declined lines. White’s early capture on d5 simplifies the central tension, leading to a more balanced control of the center rather than a direct attack. Thus, the Exchange Variation focuses on subtle central influence rather than direct central attacks.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the QGD: Exchange, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 49 - Move #6 white
You can also discover how top players used QGD: Exchange to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.