Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined Exchange Variation is a strategic battleground where White clarifies the center early to create a clear plan of attack. In the Reshevsky Variation, White uses an early Qc2 to control the e4-square and prepare a minority attack or central expansion, while Black seeks solid development and counterplay.

1. d4White

White plays d4, the most common alternative to e4. By occupying the center, White invites a strategic struggle. You can respond with several moves, but Nf6 and d5 are the most popular ways to challenge White's ambitions immediately.

1... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This flexible move prevents White from immediately playing e4 and keeps your options open. You are preparing to challenge the center while staying ready to react to White's next setup.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White

White plays c4, offering a pawn to gain central influence. This is the main line, though White sometimes tries the London System with Bf4 or the Catalan with g3. You must now decide how to bolster your central presence.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... e6Black · your move

Slide your pawn to e6. This move reinforces your control of d5 and prepares to develop your kingside bishop. You are building a solid structure that is difficult for White to break down quickly.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, developing a piece and eyeing the d5 and e4 squares. White could also choose the Catalan with g3 or the Seirawan Attack with Bg5, but developing the knight is the most direct and testing approach.

Other paths here: g3 (Catalan Opening) · Qb3 (Indian Defense) · g4 (Indian Defense: Devin Gambit) · Bg5 (Indian Defense: Seirawan Attack)

3... d5Black · your move

Push your pawn to d5. You are now fully committing to the Queen's Gambit Declined structure. This move stakes your claim in the center and challenges White to decide how to handle the tension on the c4-square.

Other paths here: b6 (Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...b6) · c5 (Queen's Pawn: Neo-Indian, 3...c5) · Bb4 (Nimzo-Indian Defense)

4. cxd5White

White plays cxd5, entering the Exchange Variation. Instead of maintaining the tension with Nf3 or Bg5, White chooses to define the pawn structure immediately. You must now recapture to maintain your foothold in the center.

Other paths here: Bg5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Lasker Defense) · Nf3 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Harrwitz Attack, Two Knights Defense, Blockade Line)

4... exd5Black · your move

Capture back with your pawn on d5. This maintains your presence in the center and opens up a diagonal for your light-squared bishop. You now have a symmetrical pawn structure, but the game remains deeply strategic.

5. Bg5White

White plays Bg5, creating an annoying pin on your knight. This is the most testing move in the Exchange Variation. You need to decide how to break the pin or solidify your position before White develops further.

5... c6Black · your move

Move your pawn to c6. This solidifies your d5-pawn and creates a very sturdy chain. It also prepares a square for your queen on b6 or a5 if needed. You are prioritizing a rock-solid defense.

Other paths here: Be7 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Chameleon Variation)

6. Qc2White

White plays Qc2, a subtle and strong move. By controlling the f5-square, White stops your bishop from developing actively. You'll now have to find a different path for your pieces, likely starting with Be7 to finally break that pin.

Where you stand

The position is balanced but rich in plans. White will likely follow up with e3 and Bd3, aiming for a minority attack on the queenside with b4-b5. Black should focus on kingside safety, breaking the pin with Be7 and looking for counterplay on the e-file or via a well-timed Ne4 jump. Both sides must navigate the delicate pawn structure carefully.

• f8-e7 Develop the bishop to break the pin
• c2-b3 Queen supports the queenside minority attack
• f1-d3 Place the bishop on its most active diagonal
• f6-e4 Establish a strong knight in the center
• e1-g1 Secure the king before starting operations