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1.d4 — Closed and Semi-Closed Games · D30

Queen's Gambit Declined

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7

The Queen's Gambit Declined is Black's most solid and popular response to the Queen's Gambit. By playing 2...e6, Black builds a rock-solid pawn structure. It has been used by virtually every World Champion as the backbone of their Black repertoire.

The QGD leads to strategic battles — White controls more space but Black has a very resilient position. The Orthodox Defense (4...Be7), the Cambridge Springs (4...Nd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5), and the Lasker Defense (with ...Ne4) are the major sub-systems.

Pros

• Extremely solid — used by every modern World Champion
• Rich endgame resources
• Clear, understandable plans

Cons

• White can maintain long-term pressure
• Slightly passive without precise play

Main variations

• Orthodox Defense — 5.e3 0-0 6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.Rc1
• Lasker Defense — 5.e3 0-0 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.Bxe7
• Cambridge Springs — 4...Nd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5
• Tartakower-Makogonov-Bondarevsky — ...b6 and ...Bb7