QGD: 6.Nf3

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined is a cornerstone of classical chess, where Black solidifies the center with e6. In this main-line variation, White develops naturally with Nf3 and Bg5, aiming for central control and piece pressure, while Black seeks a rock-solid defense before preparing a counter-strike in the center.

1. d4White · your move

Move your pawn to d4. By claiming a stake in the center, you open lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop while preventing Black from easily playing e5. This is the foundation of many strategic and positional battles.

1... d5Black

Black replies with d5, establishing a symmetrical presence in the center. While the Queen's Gambit is the main road from here, you might also encounter the English Defense with b6 or the sharp Englund Gambit with e5, though d5 remains the most solid and respected response.

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 signature move of the Queen's Gambit. You are offering a side pawn to lure Black's d5-pawn away from the center, which would allow you to eventually occupy the middle 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. By refusing to capture on c4, you maintain a strong central anchor. Other options include the Slav Defense with c6 or the more aggressive Chigorin Defense with Nc6, but e6 is the classical gold standard.

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 is your most active square for the knight, putting immediate pressure on d5 and preparing to control the center. It keeps your options open for both the Exchange Variation and the main lines.

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

3... Nf6Black

Black develops with Nf6, the most common and solid reply. You'll often see the Janowski Variation with a6 or the sharp Nimzo-Indian style Bb4 here, but Nf6 keeps the game in classical channels, preparing to meet White's upcoming bishop pressure.

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. This creates an annoying pin on the f6 knight against the queen. By pressuring the defender of d5, you make it harder for Black to maintain their central pawn structure.

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, the most solid way to handle the pin. You've unpinned your knight and prepared to castle. While the sharp Tartakower or the Modern Variation with Nbd7 are popular, Be7 remains the bedrock of Black's defense in the Queen's Gambit.

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... O-OBlack

Black castles, O-O, completing the first stage of development. The king is tucked away, and the rook is ready. Black sometimes plays h6 first to ask the bishop its intentions, but castling immediately is the most direct path to safety.

Other paths here: h6 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 h6) · Nbd7 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 Nbd7)

6. Nf3White · your move

Develop your knight to f3. This brings your last minor piece into the game and prepares for castling. You now have a perfect classical setup with control over the center and all pieces ready for the middlegame.

Other paths here: Qc2 (QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Qc2) · Rc1 (QGD: Anti-Neo-Orthodox Variation)

Where you stand

The position is a classical battleground. White enjoys a space advantage and easy development, aiming for a central breakthrough or a minority attack on the queenside. Black has a very solid position and will look to challenge the center with moves like c5 or Nbd7 followed by e5, seeking to liberate the light-squared bishop.

• f1-d3 Develop the bishop to the active d3 square.
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the white king.
• b8-d7 Develop the knight to support the c5 break.
• c7-c5 Strike at the center with the c5 pawn push.
• a1-c1 Place the rook on the semi-open c-file.