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: Orthodox Defense, Main Line
This classical line arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 c6. It is a solid and time-tested variation within the Queen's Gambit Declined family.
Characteristic of the move 7...c6: This move reinforces Black's strong central pawn on d5 and prepares to support the center and maintain flexibility. It also controls the d5 square, preventing White's knight or bishop from infiltrating too easily. The pawn structure with c6 and d5 is a hallmark of the Orthodox Defense, emphasizing solidity and resilience.
Playing style: From Black's perspective, this line is primarily defensive, focusing on maintaining a strong and stable center while developing pieces harmoniously. For White, the setup is slightly more attacking, aiming to challenge Black's center and potentially create pressure on Black's d5 pawn and kingside with moves like Bd3 and O-O.
Center control: Yes, this opening strongly contests the center. Both sides fight for central dominance, with Black solidly holding d5 and White challenging with c4 and central piece play. The tension in the center is a key strategic element in this line.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Main Line, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #22 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Main Line to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.