QGD: 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.Nf3

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined is a cornerstone of classical chess, where White offers a pawn to gain central control and Black solidifies the center. This specific line, the Modern Variation, features an early pin on the f6-knight, leading to a sophisticated battle for space and piece coordination.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims space in the center and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many strategic openings, aiming for a controlled, positional game rather than immediate tactical chaos.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, the most solid response to d4. This creates a symmetrical struggle for the center. While Black could try more provocative setups like the English Defense with b6 or the sharp Englund Gambit with e5, d5 remains the gold standard for reliability.

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

2. c4White · your move

Move your pawn to c4. This is the Queen's Gambit. You are offering a side pawn to lure Black's central pawn away from d5. If they take it, you will gain a massive center; if they don't, you maintain pressure on their position.

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 plays e6, entering the Queen's Gambit Declined. This is far more solid than the Chigorin Defense with Nc6 or the Baltic Defense with Bf5. By reinforcing d5, Black prepares to develop the kingside while maintaining a sturdy defensive posture against White's central pressure.

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 a second layer of 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 kingside and the center.

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

3... Nf6Black

Black plays Nf6, the most natural developing move in the position. Alternatives like the Nimzo-Indian style Bb4 or the Janowski Variation with a6 lead to very different types of games, but Nf6 keeps the classical tension alive in 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. This creates an annoying pin on the f6-knight against the black queen. By pinning the defender of d5, you increase the pressure on the center and force Black to make a decision about how to break the pin.

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... Nbd7Black

Black replies with Nbd7, a flexible move that prepares for the Cambridge Springs or Orthodox defenses. While Be7 is the most common way to break the pin, or Bb4 to counter-pin, Nbd7 sets a subtle trap and keeps the position highly flexible.

Other paths here: Bb4 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Bb4) · c6 (QGD: 4.Bg5 c6) · dxc4 (QGD: 4.Bg5 dxc4) · c5 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation)

5. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This move completes your minor piece development on the kingside and prepares you to castle. It also adds more control over the center and supports your d4-pawn, keeping the pressure high on Black's setup.

Other paths here: e3 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Knight Defense)

Where you stand

The position is a classical battle of wills. White has active pieces and a strong pin on f6, while Black has a very solid center and flexible development. Black will likely challenge the bishop with h6, while White will look to finish development with e3 and Bd3, preparing for a long-term fight in the center and on the queenside.

• f1-d3 Develop bishop to d3 after e3
• e1-g1 Castle kingside for safety
• h7-h6 Challenge the g5-bishop with h6
• f8-e7 Break the pin with Be7
• c7-c6 Solidify the center with c6