Exchange Variation

The Exchange Variation releases the central tension of the Classical line at once with 7. dxe5. After the near-universal 7...dxe5 8. Qxd8 Rxd8, White enters a queenless middlegame hoping for a modest, risk-free edge, aiming at the d6 hole with b4, c5 and a knight route via d2 and c4. Black targets d4, which is easier to exploit. A knight landing there usually equalizes, so chances are balanced and the line has a drawish reputation.