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: Orthodox Defense, Bd3 Line
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7 7. Rc1 c6 8. Bd3
Description: This line of the Orthodox Defense in the Queen's Gambit Declined features White developing the dark-squared bishop to d3, supporting the central e4-square and preparing for potential central expansion. The move 8.Bd3 is characteristic for reinforcing White’s control over the center and preparing kingside attacking chances, particularly aimed at leveraging pressure against Black’s kingside and central setup.
Characteristic of 8.Bd3: This move solidifies White's presence in the center and supports the potential advance e4, aiming to challenge Black’s pawn on d5. It also helps White prepare for a safe kingside castle and potential attacking plans.
Attacking or Defensive: From White’s perspective, this line is generally attacking, as White is preparing to contest the center and build pressure, often leading to kingside initiatives. Black’s setup in the Orthodox Defense is typically solid and defensive, aiming to maintain a strong pawn structure and neutralize White’s central ambitions.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. Both sides fight for control over the d4 and e4 squares, with White aiming to eventually push e4 and Black holding firm with d5 and c6 to support the center.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Bd3 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, Bd3 Line to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.