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: Normal Defense
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6
This is one of the most classical and solid responses to the Queen's Gambit. By playing 3...Nf6, Black develops a knight to its natural square, supports the central d5 pawn, and prepares for flexible piece development. This move is characteristic for its balance between solidity and piece activity, avoiding early pawn exchanges and maintaining central tension.
From White's perspective, this opening is generally attacking, as White aims to exert pressure on Black's center and develop rapidly to challenge Black's setup. Black, on the other hand, plays a defensive but resilient stance, focusing on maintaining a strong pawn structure and countering White's central control.
Regarding the center, both sides contest it actively. White challenges Black's d5 pawn immediately with c4, while Black's e6 and Nf6 moves help reinforce central squares without surrendering control. Thus, this opening involves a direct fight for the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Normal Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 245 - Move #6 white
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Declined: Normal Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.