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: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 Nbd7
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 Nbd7
This line is a classical variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, characterized by White's early development of the bishop to g5, pinning Black's knight on f6. Black responds solidly with ...Be7, breaking the pin, and then develops the knight to d7, supporting the center and preparing for flexible pawn breaks or piece maneuvers.
Characteristic of 5...Nbd7: This move reinforces Black's control over the central squares, especially e5, and keeps options open for Black's light-squared bishop and central pawn structure. It is a flexible and resilient setup aimed at maintaining a strong defensive posture.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, the setup is slightly more aggressive, aiming to exert pressure on the center and Black's kingside. For Black, the moves are primarily defensive and solid, focusing on maintaining a strong, resilient position and countering White's central influence.
Control of the Center: Both sides contest the center, but this opening leans towards a balanced fight. White seeks to challenge Black's central presence with c4 and e3, while Black maintains a firm hold on d5 and prepares for counterplay. Overall, it is a controlled battle for central dominance rather than an outright attack.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 Nbd7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #35 white
You can also discover how top players used QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 Nbd7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.