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: Three Knights Variation
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3
The Three Knights Variation in the Queen's Gambit Declined is characterized by White developing both knights early—Nf3 and Nc3—supporting control of the center and preparing for flexible pawn breaks. This move order reinforces White's pressure on the central squares, especially d5, without committing the light-squared bishop or advancing the e-pawn prematurely.
From White's perspective, this variation is more positional and flexible, focusing on solid central control and piece development rather than immediate attacks. Black's setup in the QGD is typically defensive but resilient, aiming to maintain a strong pawn presence in the center. Overall, this opening emphasizes control of the center by both sides, with White subtly increasing pressure while Black aims to hold the central tension.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Three Knights Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 131 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Declined: Three Knights Variation to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.