QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 h6

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 rapid development. Black declines the offer to maintain a solid foothold in the center. This specific variation focuses on the early development of the dark-squared bishop and the immediate challenge to Black's kingside.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. This central strike claims space and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. By occupying the center early, you dictate the pace and prepare to challenge Black's response with your queenside pawns.

1... d5Black

Black replies d5, establishing a firm presence in the center. This is the most traditional response, though you might also face the hypermodern Nf6, the sharp Englund Gambit with e5, or the solid Horwitz Defense with e6.

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 to offer the Queen's Gambit. You are attacking the d5-pawn, trying to lure it away from the center so you can eventually dominate the middle with your e-pawn. It is a temporary sacrifice for long-term positional gains.

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. By refusing the pawn, Black maintains a solid center. Other popular tries include the Slav Defense with c6, the Chigorin Defense with Nc6, or the counter-attacking Albin Countergambit with e5.

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 further central expansion. It is a natural developing move that keeps your options open while making it harder for Black to simplify the position.

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

3... Nf6Black

Black develops Nf6, a standard and flexible move. At this juncture, Black could also try the Nimzo-Indian style with Bb4 or the Janowski Variation with a6, but Nf6 remains the most trusted path in the Queen's Gambit Declined.

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, indirectly pressuring the d5-pawn. By pinning the defender, you force Black to address the tension on the kingside before they can finish their development.

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 replies Be7, the most solid way to handle the pin. Other options include the Cambridge Springs Defense with Nbd7 or the sharp Vienna Variation with dxc4, but Be7 keeps the position compact and safe for the second player.

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

Bring your knight to f3. This completes your minor piece development on the kingside and monitors the e5 and d4 squares. You are now ready to castle and have established a very strong, classical presence in the heart of the board.

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)

5... h6Black

Black plays h6, a useful 'probing' move. Instead of castling immediately, Black asks White to declare their intentions for the g5-bishop. White must now decide whether to maintain the pin with Bh4 or trade pieces on f6.

Other paths here: O-O (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 O-O)

Where you stand

The position is a classic battle of central control versus solid defense. White will likely retreat the bishop to h4 to maintain the pin, while Black will castle and look to challenge the center with c5 or Nbd7. Both sides have completed their primary development, leading to a complex middle game where pawn breaks and piece coordination will decide the outcome.

• g5-h4 Maintain the pin on the knight
• e1-g1 Secure the king and connect rooks
• e8-g8 Complete kingside safety and development
• c7-c5 Challenge White's center with a pawn break
• f3-e5 Occupy the central outpost with the knight