ECO code: D35
Opening Name: Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Nbd7
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 Nbd7
Description: This line arises from the Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined. White's 5.Bg5 aims to pin Black's knight on f6, putting mild pressure on Black’s central control and preparing for potential central or kingside activity. Black responds with 5...c6, a characteristic move that solidifies the d5 pawn and supports a strong pawn chain in the center. The move 6.e3 by White is a flexible, solid choice, reinforcing the d4 pawn and preparing to develop the dark-squared bishop. Black’s 6...Nbd7 completes development, supporting the knight on f6 and maintaining a resilient defensive setup.
Characteristic of the Key Move 5...c6: This move is typical in the Exchange Variation of the QGD to reinforce the central d5 pawn and prepare for ...Qb6 or ...Ne4 in some lines. It is a solid, somewhat defensive move that maintains a strong pawn structure and limits White’s central ambitions.
Nature of the Play: As White, the approach is mildly attacking—White pressures Black’s center and pieces with the pin and potential central advances, but the position remains relatively balanced and positional. As Black, the setup is primarily defensive and solid, aiming to maintain a strong, flexible pawn structure and counter White’s attempts to gain space.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center actively. White has a strong presence on d4, and Black’s moves c6 and Nbd7 support the d5 pawn, ensuring a firm grip on the center. Overall, this opening does involve fighting for central control, though neither side commits to an immediate central breakthrough at this stage.
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 Nbd7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #19 white