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, 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Bd3 Nbd7
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 Be7 7. Bd3 Nbd7
Description: This line arises from the Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined. After White exchanges on d5 early, Black solidifies the center with ...c6, supporting the d5 pawn and preparing to develop the light-squared bishop. White develops the dark-squared bishop to g5, pinning Black's knight on f6, aiming to exert pressure on Black's kingside and control key squares.
White’s move 5.Bg5 is characteristic for increasing tension on Black's knight, potentially provoking weaknesses or exchanges that can favor White’s control of the center and piece activity. Black’s ...c6 is a hallmark move in the QGD Exchange, reinforcing the center and preparing for flexible piece development.
From White’s perspective, this setup is generally more positional and slightly attacking, aiming to maintain central tension and prepare for a potential e4 break. Black’s setup is solid and somewhat defensive, focused on maintaining a strong central presence and completing development harmoniously.
Both sides contest the center, but the Exchange Variation often leads to a symmetrical pawn structure. White aims to leverage piece activity rather than immediate central pawn breaks, while Black tries to equalize and counterattack when opportunities arise.
Summary:
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the QGD: Exchange, 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Bd3 Nbd7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 3 - Move #19 white
You can also discover how top players used QGD: Exchange, 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Bd3 Nbd7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.