QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 O-O

QGD: 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 O-O

Definition

The sequence 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nf3 O-O belongs to the Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD), specifically the “Lasker Defence–Main Line” family. After White develops the bishop to g5, pinning the knight on f6, Black calmly counters with 4…Be7, breaking the pin, and then castles on move 5. This marks one of the most classical, rock-solid methods of meeting the QGD and has been employed by world champions since the late 19th century.

How It Is Used in Chess

• Opening Choice: Players who value a sound defensive shell and clear strategic plans often select this line. It avoids the sharper Cambridge-Springs (4…Nbd7) or the Tartakower (…h6, …b6) in favor of a flexible, time-tested setup.
• Transpositional Hub: After 5…O-O, Black keeps options open: they may play …h6 & …dxc4 heading for a Lasker variation, or adopt more modern schemes with …c6 and …Nbd7, sometimes transposing back to the Orthodox Defence or the Classical QGD.
• Practical Value: Because the line is so well studied, it provides a dependable “default” response for Black in tournament play; meanwhile White can use move-order nuances (e.g., 6.e3, 6.Qc2, 6.Rc1) to steer the game toward their preferred middlegame.

Strategic Themes

• Dark-Square Strategy: Black’s early …Be7 and quick castling keep the king safe and prepare …h6, challenging the Bg5. Controlling e4 and c5 is central.
• Minor-Piece Tension: The Bg5 often pressures the knight on f6; if Black later plays …h6 and …Ne4, the bishop may have to decide between capturing on f6 (yielding the bishop pair) or dropping back to h4.
• Central Breaks: Typical pawn breaks are ● for White: e4 or cxd5 followed by e4
  ● for Black: …c5 or …e5 (in some Lasker lines).
• Endgame Readiness: Because piece exchanges happen early—especially after the classic 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Ne4—many games reach simplified endgames where Black’s solid pawn structure holds firm.

Typical Plans for Both Sides

1. White
   • Complete development with e3, Qc2, Rd1, and possibly Minority Attack (b4-b5) if Black locks the center with …c6.
   • If allowed, push e4 in one go or after cxd5 to seize space.
   • Keep tension with Bg5; only exchange on f6 if it damages the enemy structure or wins tactical time.
2. Black
   • Break the pin by …h6, …Ne4, and sometimes …Nxg5, accepting doubled h-pawns for dynamic piece play.
   • Target c4 with …dxc4, …a6, …b5 set-ups (Orthodox/Lasker blends).
   • Seek the freeing pawn thrust …c5. If blocked, maneuver for …e5 or liquidate toward a favorable endgame.

Historical Context

The line crystallized in the games of Emanuel Lasker, World Champion 1894-1921. His famous “Lasker Defence” often continued 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Rc1 c6, reaching a rock-solid but flexible structure. José Raúl Capablanca, Anatoly Karpov, and Vladimir Kramnik later incorporated the same move-order to neutralize aggressive d4-players.

Illustrative Game

Karpov vs. Kasparov, World Championship (13), Moscow 1984
The first 10 moves followed the exact sequence. Karpov chose the positional 6.e3. Although Kasparov was unable to win, he equalized effortlessly, highlighting the line’s solidity.

Common Pitfalls

• 6.Bxf6?! – Prematurely giving up the bishop pair can leave White without winning chances after 6…Bxf6 7.e3 c6.
• 6.Qb3?! – Aiming at d5 and b7, but Black calmly defends with …dxc4 and …Nbd7, when the queen is misplaced.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In his preparation for the 1978 Karpov–Korchnoi match, ex-World Champion Mikhail Tal joked that 4…Be7 was “the move that says ‘I will not be checkmated today.’”
• Super-GM Ding Liren scored an astounding 80% with Black in this line between 2014-2017, rarely needing anything sharper to equalize.
• The same idea—breaking the pin with …Be7 and ...O-O—appears in other QGD branches, demonstrating its universal reliability.

Quick Reference Move-Order

      1. d4  d5
      2. c4  e6
      3. Nc3 Nf6
      4. Bg5 Be7
      5. Nf3 O-O
      (Key fork in the road at Move 6)
      6. e3   h6      7. Bh4 Ne4  → Classical Lasker lines
      6. Qc2  h6      7. Bh4 c5  → Modern structure
      6. Rc1  dxc4    7. e3 c5   → Kasparov’s pet line