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Queen's Gambit Declined

Orthodox Defense, Bd3 Line

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  1. 1.d4d5
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nc3Nf6
  4. 4.Bg5Be7
  5. 5.e3O-O
  6. 6.Nf3Nbd7
  7. 7.Rc1c6
  8. 8.Bd3
1,536 games51%43%

The Orthodox QGD main line with 8. Bd3, where Black usually captures ...dxc4 to gain a tempo, leading to a solid, classical struggle.

Train it in Theoria

About the Bd3 Line

8. Bd3 is White's usual choice in the Orthodox main line after 7. Rc1 c6. With the rook already on c1, White accepts that 8...dxc4 9. Bxc4 costs a tempo. That capture is Black's most frequent reply and leads to Capablanca's freeing plan with 9...Nd5 or to the fianchetto idea 9...b5. Black can also keep the tension with 8...h6 or 8...Re8, and White has scored better against 8...h6. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced.

Popular continuations