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.Nf3 Be7
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Be7
Description: This line arises from the Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, where White captures on d5 early, leading to a symmetrical pawn structure. With 5...Be7, Black develops the bishop to a solid and flexible square, preparing to castle kingside and maintain a solid defensive setup.
Characteristic of the Move 5...Be7: This move is a typical developing move in the QGD Exchange, supporting Black's kingside safety and enabling quick castling. It also avoids early commitments in the center or on the queenside, keeping options open for Black.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the setup is generally aimed at applying subtle pressure on Black's center and queenside, often preparing for a minority attack later in the game. As Black, the move 5...Be7 is mainly defensive, focusing on solid development and maintaining a resilient position rather than immediate counterplay.
Center Control: The Exchange Variation leads to a relatively balanced and symmetrical pawn structure, so neither side aggressively attacks the center early on. Instead, both sides maintain tension and develop pieces to control key central squares indirectly.
You can also discover how top players used QGD: Exchange, 5.Nf3 Be7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.