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: Ragozin Variation, 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Bb4 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bxf6 Qxf6
Description: The Ragozin Variation arises after Black combines ideas from the Queen's Gambit Declined and Nimzo-Indian Defense by developing the bishop to b4 early. In this line, White pins the knight on f6 with 5.Bg5, prompting Black to challenge the bishop with 5...h6. After White exchanges on f6, Black recaptures with the queen, maintaining central tension and flexible piece placement.
Characteristic: This line is characterized by Black’s willingness to accept doubled pawns on the f-file in exchange for active piece play and control over the e4-square. The queen recapture on f6 keeps pressure on the center and supports potential counterplay.
Play Style: As White, the approach is generally attacking, aiming to leverage central space and piece activity. Black’s setup is somewhat defensive initially but with dynamic counterattacking chances due to piece activity and central control.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center actively. White aims to build a strong pawn center with c4 and d4, while Black fights for central squares and tries to undermine White’s center with timely ...c5 breaks and piece pressure.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the QGD: Ragozin, 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 black
You can also discover how top players used QGD: Ragozin, 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.