ECO code: D51
Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Knight Defense
This line arises after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nbd7. Black develops the knight to d7 instead of the more common c6, aiming for a solid and flexible setup.
Characteristic of the move: The knight on d7 supports the defense of the e5-square and prepares to reinforce the center without committing the c-pawn early. It also keeps options open for Black to challenge White’s central presence later.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, this is primarily a defensive and solid move, focusing on maintaining a strong pawn structure and controlling key central squares. White’s position remains more active and geared towards central and kingside pressure, keeping the initiative.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center, but Black’s setup with Nbd7 is more about solid defense and delayed counterplay rather than immediate central confrontation. White typically aims to maintain or increase central control, while Black prepares a resilient stance.
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.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Knight Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 12 - Move #6 black