ECO code: D35
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 O-O
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 O-O
Description: This line of the Exchange Variation in the Queen's Gambit Declined features White developing the dark-squared bishop to g5 early, aiming to pin Black's knight on f6 and exert pressure on Black's kingside. Black responds solidly with ...Be7, breaking the pin and preparing to castle. White's move e3 supports the center and opens lines for the light-squared bishop, while Black castles kingside to ensure king safety.
Characteristic: The early Bg5 move is characteristic for increasing tension on Black's knight and controlling key squares, while the Exchange Variation tends to simplify the center by exchanging pawns early on.
Strategic Nature: For White, this setup is a balanced strategy with both attacking and positional ideas—White aims to challenge Black’s knight and maintain central presence without premature aggression. Black’s moves are primarily defensive and solid, focusing on development and king safety.
Center Control: Yes, this opening continues to contest the center, especially through pawn structure and piece placement. The Exchange Variation simplifies the center pawns early (cxd5 exd5), but both sides maintain influence over central squares, with White’s moves supporting central control.
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: Exchange, 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 O-O, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #9 white