QGD: Orthodox Defence

Before the first move

The Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense is one of the most reliable and deeply studied structures in chess. Black solidifies the center with a rock-solid pawn on d5, aiming for a sturdy setup that neutralizes White's early pressure while preparing for a timely counter-strike in the center later on.

1. d4White

White opens with d4, the second most popular starting move. By placing a pawn in the center, White prepares to develop the queenside pieces and dictates a slower, more strategic pace compared to the sharp tactical lines found in King's Pawn openings like e4.

1... d5Black · your move

Move your pawn to d5. This is the most principled response, meeting White's central claim with your own. It prevents White from easily pushing e4 and establishes a firm anchor for your pieces to develop around in the coming turns.

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

2. c4White

White plays c4, the signature of the Queen's Gambit. White pressures the d5-pawn and opens the c-file for future operations. White could also choose the London System with Bf4 or the Chigorin with Nc3, but c4 remains the most ambitious and testing approach.

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 · your move

Push your pawn to e6 to decline the gambit. This move creates a solid chain that protects your d5-pawn and opens the diagonal for your kingside bishop. You are prioritizing stability and a safe king over the risky capture of the c4-pawn.

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

White plays Nc3, increasing the heat on the d5-square. This is the most aggressive development of the knight. White sometimes tries the Exchange Variation with cxd5 first, or develops the other knight with Nf3, but Nc3 keeps the most pressure on Black's central structure.

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

3... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This move defends your d5-pawn, controls the center, and prepares for kingside castling. It is a flexible move that keeps your options open while following the golden rule of developing your minor pieces early.

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

White plays Bg5, pinning the knight to the queen. This is a very testing move that forces Black to find a way to break the pin. White could also play the Exchange Variation with cxd5 or the more patient Bf4 (the Harrwitz Attack).

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 · your move

Develop your bishop to e7 to break the pin. This is a quiet but essential move that prepares you to castle and ensures your queen is no longer tied to the defense of the f6-knight. You are completing your 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. e3White

White plays e3, reinforcing the center and preparing to develop the f1-bishop. This is a very solid approach. White sometimes plays Nf3 first or chooses the more forcing cxd5, but e3 is the classic way to build a strong, lasting position.

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 · your move

Castle your king to safety. This move moves your king away from the center and brings your rook toward the action. It is a critical step in finishing your development and preparing for the tactical battles that will soon break out.

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

6. Nf3White

White develops the knight to f3, completing the kingside minor piece development. Alternatives like Qc2 or Rc1 are often seen to delay this knight's arrival, but Nf3 is the most flexible and natural way to continue the pressure.

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

6... Nbd7Black · your move

Bring your other knight to d7. This move supports the f6-knight and prepares for a central pawn break like c5 or e5. It is a flexible square that keeps your position compact and ready to react to White's next plans.

Other paths here: b6 (QGD: 6.Nf3 b6) · Ne4 (QGD: Lasker without ...h6) · h6 (QGD: Neo-Orthodox, 7.Bh4)

Where you stand

The position is now fully developed and rich with strategic depth. White will typically look to expand on the queenside or use the c-file for pressure, while Black aims for the c5 or e5 pawn breaks to challenge the center. Both sides have achieved their primary goals: White has a space advantage and active pieces, while Black has a rock-solid defense and no clear weaknesses.

• a1-c1 Slide rook to the open c-file
• f1-d3 Develop bishop to its most active diagonal
• c7-c5 Challenge the center with a pawn break
• d7-b6 Prepare to develop the queenside bishop
• f3-e5 Plant the knight on a central outpost