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 7 playable continuations 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
Slav Defense: Modern Line
7 plies
Bonet Gambit
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. 1…d5

    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. 2…c6

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

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

  5. 3.Nf3

    Develops the knight to f3, bringing it into the game.

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

  6. 3…Nf6

    Develops the knight to f6, 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.

7 moves
Nc3Slav Defense: Three Knights Variation44 named lines · Semi-Slav Defense · Queen's Gambit DeclinedDevelops the knight to c3, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.e3Slav Defense: Quiet Variation9 named lines · Semi-Slav Defense: Quiet Variation · Slav Defense: Quiet Variation, Pin DefenseAdvances to e3 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.cxd5Slav Defense: Modern Line2 named lines · Slav Defense: Exchange Variation · Slav Defense: Exchange Variation, Trifunovic VariationCaptures 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.Bg5Slav Defense: Bonet Gambit1 named lineDevelops the bishop to g5, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.g3Slav Defense: Modern Line1 named lineAdvances the g-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.Nbd2Slav Defense: Breyer Variation1 named lineDevelops the knight to d2, bringing it into the game.Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.Qc2Slav Defense: Modern Line1 named line · Catalan Opening: Closed Variation, Rabinovich VariationRepositions the queen to c2, where it influences a new part of the board.Idea: Coordinate threats carefully while avoiding unnecessary tempi against the queen.

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.

Openings from the same volume

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