QGD: 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.Nf3 c6

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined is a cornerstone of classical chess, where White exerts central pressure and Black seeks a solid, resilient structure. In this specific line, Black uses a flexible setup to defend the center while preparing to challenge White's active bishop on g5.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims space in the center, opens lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop, and establishes a firm grip on the e5-square for your future maneuvers.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, the classical response. While moves like Nf6 lead to Indian Defenses, or the Englund Gambit (e5) tries to shock White, d5 remains the most solid foundation for a reliable defense.

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

2. c4White · your move

Offer the c-pawn by moving it to c4. This is the Queen's Gambit. You are attacking the d5-pawn from the side, trying to lure it away so you can dominate the center with your remaining pawns.

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 compared to the sharper Chigorin Defense (Nc6) or the Austrian Defense (c5), prioritizing safety and a strong pawn chain over immediate counterattacks.

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 immediate pressure to the d5-square and prepares for further central expansion. It is a natural and powerful developing move in this structure.

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

3... Nf6Black

Black develops Nf6, the most flexible and popular choice. Other options include the Nimzo-Indian style Bb4 or the Janowski Variation with a6, but Nf6 keeps Black's options open for many different defensive setups.

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

Pin the knight by moving your bishop to g5. This creates an annoying indirect attack on d5 by neutralizing the knight that defends it. It forces Black to address 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... Nbd7Black

Black replies with Nbd7, a key move in the Cambridge Springs and Orthodox variations. While Be7 is the most common way to break the pin, this knight move sets a famous trap if White tries to win a pawn too early.

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 king's knight to f3. This completes the development of your minor pieces on the kingside and prepares you to castle. It also adds more control over the e5 and d4 squares.

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

5... c6Black

Black plays c6, entering the Semi-Slav or Cambridge Springs structures. By reinforcing the center, you've created a wall that is very difficult to break. White must now decide how to continue the development of their light-squared bishop.

Where you stand

The position is a classic battle of tension. White has active pieces and a space advantage, while Black has a rock-solid 'pawn triangle' and potential for a counter-pin with Qa5. White will likely play e3 and Bd3 to prepare for castling, while Black will look to challenge the g5-bishop with h6 or develop the dark-squared bishop to e7.

• f1-d3 Develop bishop to d3 after e3
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• d8-a5 Move queen to a5 to pin Nc3
• f8-e7 Develop bishop to e7 to break pin