Learn
The big idea
What the Queen's Gambit Declined is really about.
The classical, rock-solid way to meet 1.d4. Instead of grabbing the offered c4-pawn, Black props up the d5-pawn with ...e6 and builds a sturdy wall in the centre. The position is hard to crack: Black unravels patiently, completes development, and only then looks for activity. It has been a dependable choice at the very highest level for over a century.
- White's plan: Develop with Nc3, Bg5 and e3, keep the small space edge the c4/d4 pawns give, and pressure Black's slightly cramped position — often with a minority attack on the queenside or a central break.
- Black's plan: Hold the d5-point solidly, finish development with ...Be7, ...O-O and ...Nf6, then free the position with ...b6 and ...Bb7 (or an eventual ...c5 / ...dxc4) once the pieces are out.
In QGD Exchange structures White often plays a 'minority attack' (b4–b5). What's the idea?
Answer the question to keep going!