Queen's Gambit Declined · D35

Exchange Variation, Positional Variation, after 5... c6

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
• 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.
• 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5.

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