Tree path 7 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Queen's Gambit › Slav Defense › Modern Line › Slav Defense: Three Knights Variation › Semi-Slav Defense › Queen's Gambit Declined
D52

Queen's Gambit Declined

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Overview

Queen's Gambit Declined is a sacrificial opening line filed under ECO D52 in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games group. The defining idea is the early concession of material to seize the initiative and unbalance the position.

The Closed & Semi-Closed Games group covers closed and semi-closed games — 1.d4 systems characterised by long strategic manoeuvring rather than early tactics.

It begins with 11 plies and takes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. Bg5 Nbd7 6. e3 to reach the canonical position.

In the opening tree, this line branches off from Semi-Slav Defense, part of the broader Queen's Pawn Game system.

It continues primarily into one named line, Cambridge Springs Defense.

Together the deeper variations number 5 across the full subtree.

Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.

ECO code
D52
Group
Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
Plies
11
Parent
Semi-Slav Defense
Direct variations
1
Total in subtree
5

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. A more detailed, human-written description is on the way — and you can speed it up by suggesting one yourself.

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Variations (1)

Show all 5 sub-variations (full subtree)