Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation
ECO D35 · Queen's Gambit Declined · positional · intermediate
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation (D35) is a positional chess opening in the Queen's Gambit Declined family, played by White. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5. Symmetrical structure. Minority attack typical. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5
About this opening
The Exchange Variation (cxd5 exd5) fixes the structure and stages one of the most instructive plans in chess: the minority attack. White advances b4-b5 on the queenside to create a lasting weakness in Black's camp, while Black seeks counterplay in the center or on the kingside. This clash of opposing plans makes it a prime study ground for positional strategy.