QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 h6

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined is a cornerstone of classical chess, where Black solidifies the center to withstand White's pressure. In this variation, White develops the dark-squared bishop aggressively to g5, while Black uses the subtle h6 to ask this bishop a question before castling.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many strategic openings where you aim for long-term control rather than immediate tactical fireworks.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, meeting White's central claim head-on. This is the most classical response, though you might also encounter the English Defense with b6 or even the sharp Englund Gambit with e5 if Black wants to gamble early.

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 challenge the d5 pawn. This is the Queen's Gambit. You are offering a pawn to divert Black's central pawn, which would allow you to eventually seize the entire center with e4.

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, reinforcing the center. Black could also try the Baltic Defense with Bf5 or the Marshall Defense with Nf6, but e6 remains the gold standard for reliability and safety.

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 increases the pressure on d5 and prepares for further central expansion. It is a flexible developing move that keeps your options open for both the kingside and queenside.

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 natural move in the position. Alternatives like the Janowski with a6 or the sharp Ragozin with Bb4 lead to very different structures, but Nf6 keeps the position classical and balanced.

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, pinning the knight on f6. This pin indirectly pressures d5 because the knight can no longer move without exposing the queen. It is an aggressive way to fight for the initiative.

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... Be7Black

Black plays Be7, neutralizing the pin. This is the most solid way to continue. Black sometimes tries the more forcing Bb4 or the Modern Variation with Nbd7, but Be7 is the most traditional and reliable choice.

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. e3White · your move

Push your pawn to e3. This solidifies your d4 pawn and opens the path for your light-squared bishop to enter the game. You are completing your central fortress before finishing your kingside development.

Other paths here: Nf3 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3) · Bxf6 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Heral Variation) · cxd5 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 Nxd5)

5... h6Black

Black plays h6, a useful 'probing' move. By asking the bishop where it wants to go, Black gains space on the kingside. Black often castles first or plays Nbd7, but h6 is a sophisticated way to clarify the situation.

Other paths here: Nbd7 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 Nbd7) · O-O (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O)

Where you stand

The position is balanced and rich with maneuvering possibilities. White will usually retreat the bishop to h4 to keep the pin, while Black will castle and look to challenge the center with c5. Both sides have finished their initial development and are ready for a deep strategic battle over the central squares.

• g5-h4 Maintain the pin on the knight
• g1-f3 Complete kingside development and control e5
• e8-g8 Secure the king before central action
• c7-c5 Challenge the white center pawn on d4
• a1-c1 Place the rook on the semi-open file