QGD: 4.Bg5 c6

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined is a cornerstone of classical chess. By pinning the knight on f6, White exerts immediate psychological and tactical pressure, while Black's solid pawn chain at d5, e6, and c6 creates a rock-solid foundation that is notoriously difficult to crack.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims central space, controls the e5-square, and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the first step in building a dominant position from the very start.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, the most solid and principled response to d4. Other options like the English Defense with b6 or the sharp Englund Gambit with e5 exist, but d5 is the gold standard for central integrity.

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

2. c4White · your move

Push your pawn to c4 to offer the Queen's Gambit. You are inviting Black to trade their central d5-pawn for your wing pawn. This creates tension and prepares to open the c-file for your heavy pieces.

Other paths here: Qd3 (Amazon Attack) · e4 (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit) · e3 (Queen's Pawn Game) · Bf4 (Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System)

2... e6Black

Black chooses the Queen's Gambit Declined with e6. By refusing the pawn, Black maintains a firm grip on d5. Sharper alternatives like the Austrian Defense with c5 or the Chigorin with Nc6 lead to much more chaotic positions.

Other paths here: c5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Austrian Defense) · Bf5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense) · Nf6 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense) · b5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Zilbermints Gambit)

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This piece adds pressure to the d5-square and prepares for further central expansion. It is a flexible developing move that keeps your options open for both the center and the queenside.

Other paths here: Bf4 (QGD: 3.Bf4) · cxd5 (QGD: 3.cxd5) · e3 (QGD: 3.e3) · g3 (QGD: 3.g3)

3... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, continuing natural development. Other moves like the Janowski Variation with a6 or the Semi-Slav with c6 are popular, but Nf6 remains the most classical way to handle the pressure against the center.

Other paths here: Bb4 (QGD: 3.Nc3 Bb4) · Nc6 (QGD: 3.Nc3 Nc6) · Be7 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Charousek Variation) · a6 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Janowski Variation)

4. Bg5White · your move

Slide your bishop to g5 to pin the knight against the queen. This pin is uncomfortable for Black because it weakens their control over d5. It forces Black to decide how to break the tension on the kingside.

Other paths here: e3 (QGD: 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3) · g3 (QGD: Catalan without Nf3) · Bf4 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Harrwitz Attack) · Nf3 (QGD: 4.Nf3)

4... c6Black

Black plays c6, entering a Semi-Slav style structure. While Be7 is a more common way to break the pin immediately, c6 focuses on total central solidity. You must now decide how to continue your development against this wall.

Other paths here: Bb4 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Bb4) · dxc4 (QGD: 4.Bg5 dxc4) · c5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation) · Nbd7 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Knight Defense)

Where you stand

The position is a strategic masterpiece. White has active pieces and a strong pin on f6, while Black boasts a rock-solid pawn chain. White will likely continue with e3 and Nf3 to complete development, while Black will look to break the pin with Be7 and eventually challenge the center with c5 or Nbd7.

• e2-e3 Solidify the center and open the bishop
• g1-f3 Develop the knight toward the center
• f8-e7 Break the pin on the f6-knight
• b8-d7 Support the d5-pawn and prepare c5