ECO code: D35
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Nf3 Bf5
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 Be7 7. Nf3 Bf5
Description: This line arises from the Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined. After White captures on d5 early, Black responds solidly with ...c6, reinforcing the center and preparing a strong pawn structure. White’s 5.Bg5 pins the knight on f6, aiming to increase pressure on Black’s center and kingside. Black develops actively with ...Be7 and ...Bf5, challenging White’s control of the central dark squares and completing harmonious piece development.
Characteristic of the Move 7...Bf5: The bishop move to f5 is a typical, purposeful development in the Queen’s Gambit Declined Exchange Variation. It puts the bishop on an active square outside the pawn chain before playing ...e6-e5 in some lines. It also contests White’s central control, especially over the important e4-square, and supports Black’s flexible pawn breaks.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this variation is somewhat flexible—White maintains central tension and can choose to attack or build a positional grip. As Black, the moves are solid and somewhat defensive but with active piece placement, Black aims to equalize comfortably and counterattack if the opportunity arises.
Center Control: Yes, this opening focuses strongly on central control. Both sides contest the center through pawn structure and piece placement. White’s early cxd5 clarifies the central tension, while Black’s ...c6 solidifies the d5-pawn and prepares to challenge White’s center further.
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 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Nf3 Bf5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #21 black