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.
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Positional Variation
This opening arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5. White exchanges pawns early on d5, leading to a more symmetrical pawn structure. The move 5. Bg5 is characteristic for pinning Black's knight on f6, aiming to exert pressure on Black's control of the center and potentially provoke weaknesses or exchanges that favor White's piece activity.
From White's perspective, this line is primarily positional and mildly attacking. The pin on the knight restricts Black's ability to easily challenge the center and prepares for gradual pressure rather than immediate tactical strikes. Black, on the other hand, adopts a solid and defensive setup, seeking to maintain a strong pawn center and avoid structural weaknesses.
Regarding central control, this opening focuses on contesting the center. While the early exchange on d5 simplifies the center, White's bishop pin and piece placement aim to challenge Black's hold on central squares and create subtle positional pressure.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Positional Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 31 - Move #6 white
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Positional Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.