QGD: 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.cxd5 cxd5
QGD: 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.cxd5 cxd5
Definition
This move-sequence is a branch of the Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD) arising after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.cxd5 cxd5. After White’s sixth move the game has transposed to an Exchange-type structure in which both sides possess an isolated e-pawn and a symmetrical “Carlsbad” pawn skeleton (pawns on d4/d5; half-open c-files). Although positions are superficially equal, the setup leads to rich middlegame plans, making it a favorite of classical and modern grandmasters alike.
Move order (one common route)
- 1.d4 d5
- 2.c4 e6
- 3.Nc3 Nf6
- 4.Bg5 Nbd7 (heading toward the Cambridge-Springs complex)
- 5.e3 c6 (Black prepares …dxc4 or …Qa5, but White strikes first)
- 6.cxd5 cxd5 (the featured position)
Strategic themes
- Minority attack potential — With pawns on a2-b2-c2, White can advance b2-b4-b5, aiming at c6 and d5.
- Central tension — Both sides eye the break e3-e4 / …e6-e5. Correct timing is critical.
- Piece play on the c-file — The half-open files invite rooks to c1 and c8; outposts on c5/c4 also appear.
- King-side activity — Thanks to the pin Bg5, White sometimes generates tactical chances against the knight on f6.
- Endgame balance — Because the structure is symmetrical, piece activity often outweighs pawn counts in endings.
Typical plans for White
- Develop smoothly with Nf3, Bd3, Nge2 or Nf3, and castle short.
- Prepare the minority attack (a2-a3, b2-b4-b5).
- Pressure d5 by doubling rooks on the c-file or playing Qb3/Rc1.
- Central break e3-e4 when Black’s pieces are passive.
Typical plans for Black
- Neutralise the pin with …Be7 & …h6; sometimes …Bb4 pins back.
- Break with …e6-e5 or …c6-c5 to free the position.
- Expand on the queen-side with …a6 & …b5 before White’s minority attack lands.
- Place a knight on e4 after …f7-f5 for dynamic play.
Historical notes
• The structure was explored by José Raúl Capablanca in the 1920s; his effortless
endgame wins made the line a textbook example of “small advantages.”
• Anatoly Karpov revived the variation in the 1970s, often steering the game into
endings where his immaculate technique shone.
• In modern practice, players such as Viswanathan Anand and Levon Aronian have
employed it to sidestep heavy home preparation in sharper Cambridge-Springs lines.
Illustrative game
[[Pgn| d4|d5|c4|e6|Nc3|Nf6|Bg5|Nbd7|e3|c6|cxd5|cxd5|Nf3|Be7|Bd3|h6|Bh4|O-O|O-O|b6|Rc1|Bb7|Qe2|a6|a4|c5|Rfd1|Re8|dxc5|bxc5|e4|Nxe4|Bxe7|Nxc3|Rxc3|Qxe7|bxc5|Nxc5|cxd5|exd5|Qxe7|Rxe7| |arrows|b2b4|squares|c6,d5 ]]Karpov – Unzicker, Nice Olympiad 1974. The game followed the featured line and transposed to an ending where White’s better minors exploited the weak c- and d-pawns. Karpov’s smooth conversion became a model of how to press in seemingly “even” positions.
Interesting facts & anecdotes
- Because the pawn structure is perfectly symmetrical, some engines initially give a 0.00 evaluation—yet grandmasters still choose the line to outplay opponents in a long squeeze.
- The variation is sometimes nicknamed the “Capablanca Carlsbad,” honoring the 3rd World Champion’s fondness for the setup combined with the exchange on d5.
- In rapid and blitz, players use 6.cxd5 to sidestep the sharp Cambridge-Springs idea 6.Nf3 Qa5, reducing early tactics while retaining strategic pressure.
When to choose this line
Opt for 6.cxd5 if you enjoy long manoeuvring battles, are confident in endgame technique, and wish to avoid heavily analysed Cambridge-Springs and Tartakower complications. Black players should enter it when comfortable with symmetric structures and aiming for solidity followed by timely pawn breaks.