Queen's Gambit Declined (for Black)

The Queen's Gambit Declined (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6) is the classical defense against the Queen's Gambit: Black keeps the pawn in the center by supporting it with the e-pawn. Solid and logical, it is played by every champion.

The principle

Black holds d5 and develops harmoniously. The price: the c8 bishop is locked behind the e6 pawn and must be freed later, often by a fianchetto or the c5 push.

The main line: the Tartakower Defense

3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5. The c8 bishop will go to b7 or e6; Black has a healthy position and a solid center.

Main variations

• Exchange Variation: 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Qc2 O-O 9.Nge2. White fixes the structure; the plan is often the minority attack with the queenside pawns.
• Harrwitz Attack: 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.e3 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.a3 Nc6. White's bishop goes to f4; Black frees the game with the c-pawn.
• Tarrasch Defense: 3...c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.g3 Nf6 7.Bg2 Be7 8.O-O O-O. Black accepts an isolated pawn in exchange for very active pieces.

Typical mistakes

With Black, forgetting the c8 bishop: always plan how it will come out. With White, trading in the center too early without a plan: Black equalizes easily.

Coach's advice

The Queen's Gambit Declined is an excellent choice for a solid player. Remember the development and the plan to free the c8 bishop. Click the colored moves to follow each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 h6 7.Bh4 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Nxd5 exd5