QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 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 with 4.Bg5 creates an immediate pin on the f6-knight, leading to a sophisticated battle for space and piece activity in the heart of the board.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims space in the center and opens pathways for your queen and dark-squared bishop. By occupying d4, you set the stage for a strategic battle where you control the pace and development of the game.

1... d5Black

Black replies d5, establishing a symmetrical central presence. While alternatives like the English Defense with b6 or the sharp Englund Gambit exist, d5 remains the gold standard for stability. It signals Black's intention to fight for an equal share of the center from the very first move.

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. You are now offering the Queen's Gambit. The goal isn't to lose a pawn but to lure Black's d-pawn away so you can dominate the center with your remaining pawns. It puts immediate pressure on the d5-square.

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, choosing the Queen's Gambit Declined. This is far more solid than the Austrian Defense with c5 or the Baltic Defense with Bf5. Black prepares to develop the kingside safely while maintaining a firm grip on the d5-square, even if it means a slower start for the c8-bishop.

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

Bring your knight to c3. This is your most active square for the knight, adding a second attacker to the d5-pawn and preparing for further central expansion. You are developing with a clear purpose: increasing the tension in the center.

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

3... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, the most natural developing move. While the Ragozin with Bb4 or the Janowski with a6 are popular alternatives, Nf6 is the main highway of the Queen's Gambit. It develops a piece toward the center and prepares to safeguard the king.

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. You are pinning Black's knight against the queen. This is a highly provocative move that forces Black to address the pressure on f6. It is the most aggressive way to develop your dark-squared bishop.

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, a solid and necessary defensive measure. Other tries like the Cambridge Springs with Nbd7 or the sharp Vienna with dxc4 lead to very different games, but Be7 keeps the position compact and prepares Black to complete kingside development safely.

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. You are completing your minor piece development on the kingside and controlling the e5-square. This move prepares you to castle and maintains the flexibility of your central pawn structure.

Other paths here: e3 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3) · Bxf6 (Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Heral Variation) · cxd5 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.cxd5 Nxd5)

Where you stand

The opening has reached a classical crossroads. White will likely play e3 and Bd3 to complete development and prepare a central break. Black aims to castle quickly and eventually challenge the center with c5 or b6 and Bb7. Both sides have achieved solid, harmonious positions where the real strategic battle for the d5 and e4 squares is just beginning.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the monarch
• e8-g8 Castle kingside for safety and rook activity
• f1-d3 Develop the bishop to an active diagonal
• c7-c5 Strike at the center with c5