QGD Declined Exchange Positional Line: Reshevsky Variation
Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD)
Definition
The Queen’s Gambit Declined is a family of openings that begins 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6. Black refuses (declines) the offered c-pawn, choosing solidity over the immediate capture 2…dxc4. In ECO it occupies codes D30–D69.
Usage in Play
The QGD is a cornerstone of classical chess. By supporting the d-pawn with …e6, Black keeps a strong center and plans …Nf6, …Be7 (or …Bb4), and rapid castling. White, in turn, exerts long-term pressure on the d5 point and often tries to create an isolated
or hanging
pawn structure in Black’s camp.
Strategic Significance
- Promises Black a rock-solid but somewhat cramped position.
- Effectively neutralizes the Queen’s Gambit without abandoning the center.
- Leads to a rich variety of pawn structures: Carlsbad (Exchange), Minority Attack, isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) positions, and hanging pawns.
Historical Context
Adolf Anderssen played the QGD in the 19th century, but it was championed by Wilhelm Steinitz, Emanuel Lasker, and later by José Raúl Capablanca, whose orthodox
treatment became the classical model. World Champions from Botvinnik to Carlsen have kept it relevant.
Illustrative Example
The diagram shows the QGD Exchange structure (after 6…c6 7.cxd5 exd5), a key foundation for several sub-variations including the Positional Line and the Reshevsky Variation.
Interesting Fact
The QGD is so theoretically deep that its ECO coverage (D30–D69) is larger than that of the entire King’s Pawn spectrum (C20–C99).
Exchange Variation (of the QGD)
Definition
The Exchange Variation arises when White captures on d5 early: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5. The characteristic Carlsbad structure (White pawns on d4 & e3 vs. Black pawns on d5 & e6/c6) is born.
Why Players Choose It
- Simplified Strategy. Fixed pawn structure lets White pursue the Minority Attack (b4-b5) on the queenside.
- Reduced Theory. Compared with sharp QGD lines (e.g., the Cambridge Springs), tactical traps are fewer.
- Psychology. Many attacking specialists dislike playing Black in a slow squeeze.
Main Plans
- White: Minority Attack, central break e2-e4, or Kingside attack after f2-f3 & g2-g4.
- Black: Counter-minority …a5, …b5; central break …c5 or …e5; piece pressure on e3/d4.
Classic Game
Capablanca – Alekhine, New York 1924 showcased the Minority Attack manual: Capablanca systematically advanced a2-a4, b2-b4, b4-b5, fixed Black’s queenside and exploited the resulting weakness on c6.
Trivia
The Exchange Variation was once labelled drawish
. Modern engines reveal that Black must tread carefully; inaccurate queenside play often leads to long-term torture.
Positional Line (within the QGD Exchange)
Definition
The Positional Line is a sub-branch of the Exchange Variation beginning 4…exd5 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 c6 7.Qc2. Unlike the Razor-Sharp
lines with 7.Nf3 or 7.Bd3 and quick kingside pawn storms, White adopts a calm build-up, delaying castling and focusing on harmonious development.
Key Move-Order
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 c6 7.Qc2 (ECO D36–D37).
Strategic Hallmarks
- Flexible Queen. Qc2 supports minor-piece pressure and prepares Rc1.
- Delayed Nf3. Keeps the f-pawn free (f2-f3/e4) and avoids …Bf5 tempos.
- Long-Term Squeeze. White typically opts for minority expansion only after completing development.
Typical Plans
White plays Bd3, Nge2, Nf4, or even long-castles if Black locks the center. Black counters with …h6 & …Ne4, or the thematic …c5 break.
Example Fragment
The diagram shows Black ready for …Re8 and …Nf8–g6 while White eyes the queenside.
Fun Nugget
The Positional Line was a favourite of Anatoly Karpov, who milked tiny advantages with surgeon-like precision.
Reshevsky Variation (in the Positional Line)
Definition
Named after American grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky, the Reshevsky Variation is a defensive set-up for Black against the Positional Line: …Nbd7, …O-O, …Re8, and most crucially the move …Nf8, aiming to reroute the knight to g6/e6.
Canonical Move-Order
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 c6 7.Qc2 Nbd7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.Bd3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Rab1 a5 (ECO D37).
Strategic Ideas
- Knight Manoeuvre. …Nf8–g6 hits e5 and supports …c5.
- Central Break. Black times …c5 to liquidate the Carlsbad tension before White’s minority pawns clamp the queenside.
- Solid Shell. Reshevsky valued piece coordination over pawn grabs, often steering games into equal endgames he could outplay.
Historical Moment
Reshevsky – Botvinnik, World Championship Candidate’s 1953 featured this set-up. Botvinnik held comfortably with …Nf8–g6 and later equalized with …c5.
Modern Relevance
Though engines rate the line as slightly better for White, it remains popular among positional players who relish a sturdy, maneuvering battle. Top exponents include Sergey Tiviakov and the late Ulf Andersson.
Interesting Anecdotes
Reshevsky, a notoriously slow player, allegedly used the solidity of his variation to think on the opponent’s time
. The joke was that Black’s first 15 moves were pre-programmed, allowing him to conserve his clock for the middlegame dog-fight.