Orthodox Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bg5
The main line. After 5...O-O 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4, Black plays ...b6 (Tartakower) or ...Nbd7 (Orthodox main). Classical and solid.
For Black· ECO D30–D69· intermediate
Abgelehntes Damengambit
Die soliteste und am häufigsten gespielte Verteidigung gegen 1.d4, klassische Strategie in ihrer besten Form.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6
What is the Abgelehntes Damengambit?
Das Abgelehnte Damengambit entsteht nach 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6. Schwarz lehnt den c4-Bauern ab, um das eigene Zentrum zu stützen, und akzeptiert einen leicht eingeengten weißfeldrigen Läufer im Austausch für eine felsenfeste Struktur. Das QGD definierte die klassische Strategie: langsame Manöver, Kampf ums Zentrum über ...c5 oder ...e5 und klare Pläne basierend auf der Bauernstruktur. Von jedem Weltmeister seit Lasker gespielt, bleibt es die bevorzugte Wahl für Spieler, die eine Verteidigung gegen 1.d4 wollen, ohne taktisch überrollt zu werden. Die Hauptvarianten Orthodox, Lasker, Tartakower und Cambridge Springs bieten jeweils einen eigenen strategischen Plan.
Main variations
Each variation below comes with a diagram and the main plan. Click "Train this opening" to drill every line with spaced repetition.
Exchange Variation
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5
White aims for the minority attack (b2-b4-b5-bxc6). Black must counter with kingside activity...f6 and ...e5, or a rook lift ...Re8-e6.
Lasker Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.e3 Ne4
Black simplifies by exchanging bishops on e7. After 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Qc2 Nxc3 10.Qxc3, Black has traded pieces and eased the position.
How deep should you study this?
Below 1400
The QGD is one of the easiest defenses to learn, just develop pieces to their natural squares. Focus on the Orthodox Defense main line.
1400–1800
Add the Lasker Defense for simplification. Against the Exchange Variation, learn the minority attack defense with ...f6-...e5 or rook lifts.
1800+
Study the Cambridge Springs and Tartakower for flexibility. Choose your QGD subsystem based on White's move order.
Frequently asked questions
Is the QGD good for beginners?
Yes, one of the most beginner-friendly Black defenses. Natural piece development, clear plans, and lower theory than the King's Indian or Grünfeld. A lifetime defense for many players.
What is the minority attack?
After the Exchange Variation (4.cxd5 exd5), White plays b2-b4-b5 to attack Black's c6 pawn, creating a weak isolated c-pawn. Petrosian's 1966 World Championship match showed the ultimate execution. Black counters with kingside activity.
Should I play the QGD or QGA?
QGD for solid structure and slower strategic play. QGA for active pieces and faster development (at the cost of giving up the center temporarily). Both are fully playable at every level.
What's the difference between the Orthodox and Lasker defenses?
The Orthodox keeps pieces on the board with ...Nbd7 and prepares ...c5. The Lasker Defense exchanges pieces early with ...Ne4, simplifying the position. Lasker = drawing tendency; Orthodox = rich middlegame play.
Is the QGD played at the top level?
Constantly, at every World Championship. Carlsen, Anand, Kramnik, and Caruana have all used it. The Tartakower Defense (6...h6 7.Bh4 b6) and Orthodox main lines remain fixtures of elite chess.
Related openings
For White
Angenommenes Damengambit
Den c4-Bauern schlagen und den weißfeldrigen Läufer befreien: aktive Verteidigung gegen 1.d4.
For White
Londoner System
Ein universelles Schema gegen alle schwarzen Verteidigungen: wenig Theorie, wiederverwendbare Pläne, moderne Waffe Carlsens.
For Black
Nimzoindische Verteidigung
Die Elite-Verteidigung gegen 1.d4: Fesselung des c3-Springers für sofortige strukturelle Ungleichgewichte.
Deep dive
Read our full Abgelehntes Damengambit guide →
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