Queen's Gambit Declined
D30–D69Black1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6
D30–D69 · 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6
The idea
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.
Your plan (Black)
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.
Heading into the middlegame
The QGD is patient solidity. Hold d5 and complete development (...Be7, ...O-O, ...Nbd7), then free the game: bring the queenside out with ...b6 and ...Bb7, and aim for a freeing break — ...c5, or ...dxc4 followed by ...c5/...e5. Watch for White's minority attack (b4–b5, trading to leave you a weak c6-pawn) and meet it by keeping your structure compact and finding a ...c5 or ...e5 counter-break before the c6-pawn becomes a long-term target.
Lines
0/3 masteredYou decline the gambit and build a solid wall on d5, then unravel patiently with ...b6 and ...Bb7 before seeking a freeing break.
White clarifies with cxd5 and eyes the minority attack b4–b5 at your c6-pawn; develop your bishop actively and ready a ...c5 or ...e5 break.
White fianchettoes the g2-bishop to rake the long diagonal; you grab the c4-pawn with a tempo to ease the cramp before giving it back.