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
Queen's Gambit Declined
The bulletproof answer to 1.d4. Rock-solid structure and World Championship pedigree.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6
What is the Queen's Gambit Declined?
The Queen's Gambit Declined (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6) is one of Black's most reliable defenses. By supporting d5 with e6, Black maintains a central foothold and avoids the Queen's Gambit Accepted complications. The QGD has been a staple of World Championship chess since Lasker-Steinitz 1894, from Capablanca to Carlsen — Alekhine-Capablanca 1927 had 32 of 34 games in the QGD. Main lines include the Orthodox Defense, Tartakower Defense, Cambridge Springs, and the rock-solid Lasker Defense. Perfect for players who want structure over chaos against 1.d4.
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
Queen's Gambit Accepted
Accept the gambit pawn and get an open, playable middlegame. A reliable Black defense.
For White
London System
The ultimate low-maintenance opening. One setup against everything.
For Black
Nimzo-Indian Defense
Aron Nimzowitsch's hypermodern masterpiece. Control the center with pieces, not pawns.
Deep dive
Read our full Queen's Gambit Declined guide →
Ready to train the Queen's Gambit Declined?
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