QGD: 4.Bg5 dxc4

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined is a cornerstone of classical chess, where Black solidifies the center with e6. In this specific variation, White pins the knight on f6, and Black responds by capturing on c4, leading to a sharp struggle where White seeks central control while Black aims to challenge the d4-pawn and develop rapidly.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims space in the center, controls the e5-square, and opens paths for both your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many strategic openings.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, the most classical response to the Queen's Pawn Game. This leads to a symmetrical struggle. Black could also try the Horwitz Defense with e6, the English Defense with b6, or even the sharp Englund Gambit with e5.

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

2. c4White · your move

Offer the c4-pawn to challenge Black's center. This is the Queen's Gambit. You are pressuring d5 and clearing the c-file for your pieces, aiming to trade a flank pawn for a central pawn.

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. This is incredibly solid, though it temporarily blocks the light-squared bishop. Black could also choose the Chigorin Defense with Nc6 or the Baltic Defense with Bf5 to develop more aggressively.

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 more pressure to the d5-square and prepares for central action. It is the most active square for the knight in this opening, eyeing both d5 and e4.

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

3... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, reinforcing d5 and preparing to castle. It's a standard developing move. Other options include the Janowski Variation with a6 or the sharp Nimzo-Indian style Bb4, which pins the knight on c3 immediately.

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

Develop your bishop to g5 to pin the knight on f6. This creates immediate pressure on Black's defense of d5. If the knight moves, the queen is lost, forcing Black to address this tension.

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... dxc4Black

Black plays dxc4, a sharp response that forces White to spend time recovering the pawn. Usually, Black plays Be7 to break the pin or c6 to solidify the center, but this capture leads to more tactical and open play.

Other paths here: Bb4 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Bb4) · c6 (QGD: 4.Bg5 c6) · c5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation) · Nbd7 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Knight Defense)

Where you stand

The position is dynamic. White will likely play e3 or e4 to reclaim the c4-pawn and build a massive center. Black's plan involves challenging that center with c5 or e5 while completing development. Both sides must balance the pursuit of material with the need for king safety and piece activity.

• e2-e3 Open the bishop to recapture on c4
• c7-c5 Strike at the center to create counterplay
• g1-f3 Develop the knight and control e5
• f8-e7 Break the pin and prepare to castle