Theoria
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Queen's Gambit Declined

Cambridge Springs Defense, Yugoslav Variation

D52positionalsolid

  1. 1.d4d5
  2. 2.c4c6
  3. 3.Nf3Nf6
  4. 4.Nc3e6
  5. 5.Bg5Nbd7
  6. 6.e3Qa5
  7. 7.cxd5Nxd5
355 games44%52%

Cambridge Springs line in which White plays 7. cxd5, defusing Black's ...dxc4 tactics and leading to a roughly balanced fight over the c3-knight.

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About the Yugoslav Variation

In the Yugoslav Variation White meets the Cambridge Springs with 7. cxd5, releasing the central tension so that Black's ...dxc4 tricks against the g5-bishop no longer exist. After 7...Nxd5 the knight joins the queen in hitting c3. White usually defends with 8. Qd2, typically followed by 8...Bb4 9. Rc1, while 8. Qc2 and 8. Qb3 are the main alternatives. The engine rates the position roughly balanced, and Black scores well online.

Popular continuations