Closed games

Queen's Gambit

1.d4 d5 2.c4

The Queen's Gambit starts with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 and is catalogued under ECO D06, in the closed games half of the book. The catalog indexes 1 line inside it, grouped into 1 named variation, and the position after those moves has 1 playable continuation to walk from here.

Opening repertoire map

Root edges show how often each move is played around your Elo. Use the arrow on a position to reveal the next replies.

Current position
Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense, Exchange Variation
Popularity by Elo
Share of Lichess blitz, rapid, and classical games that continued with each move.
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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1d5

    Mirrors White’s central claim and prevents an easy e4 expansion.

    Idea: Establish a firm center and develop behind the pawn chain.

  3. 2.c4

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  4. 2Nc6

    Develops the knight to c6, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  5. 3.cxd5

    Captures the pawn on d5 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.

    Idea: Open lines in the center and reshape the center for the next phase.

  6. 3Qxd5

    Captures the pawn on d5 and changes the local pawn or piece balance.

    Idea: Remove an active defender and improve the moving piece’s influence.

  7. 4.e3

    Advances to e3 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  8. 4e5

    Advances to e5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  9. 5.Nc3

    Develops the knight to c3, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  10. 5Bb4

    Develops the bishop to b4, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

1 move

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Queen's Gambit. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Queen's Gambit.