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 (QGD): 4.Nf3 Be7
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Be7
Description: This position arises from the classical Queen's Gambit Declined setup. Black's move 4...Be7 is a flexible and solid developing move, preparing to castle kingside while maintaining a strong, resilient pawn structure. It avoids early tensions and keeps options open for Black's central and queenside plans.
Characteristic: The move 4...Be7 is characteristic of a classical and sound approach by Black, focusing on piece development and king safety rather than immediate confrontation. It supports Black's control of the e4-square and prepares for a quick castle.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the setup is typically aimed at applying pressure on Black’s center and queenside, so White is in a somewhat more attacking posture. Black's 4...Be7 is primarily defensive and solid, aiming to neutralize White's central influence and prepare for counterplay.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center. White has more space and influence in the center early on, but Black's solid pawn structure and piece placement ensure strong central control and resistance to White's attempts to dominate the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the QGD: 4.Nf3 Be7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 27 - Move #7 black
You can also discover how top players used QGD: 4.Nf3 Be7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.