Classical Defense, Steinitz Variation, Exchange Variation

Black releases the central tension immediately with 6...cxd4, instead of developing with 6...Nc6 or preparing ...b5 with 6...a6. The recapture decides the structure. 7. exd4, chosen in about half of games, gives White an isolated queen's pawn and free piece play. 7. Nxd4 and 7. Qxd4 keep the pawns symmetrical. White scores well after 7. exd4, while Black does better against 7. Nxd4. The engine rates the position as close to balanced, with at most a small edge for White.