Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation
- 1.Nf3d5
- 2.d4Nf6
- 3.c4e6
- 4.Nc3Be7
- 5.Bg5O-O
- 6.e3Nbd7
- 7.Rc1b6
- 8.cxd5exd5
- 9.Bb5
1,991 games
An Orthodox Defense line where Black meets 7. Rc1 with 7...b6, and White answers by exchanging on d5 and posting the bishop on b5.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Capablanca Variation
In this branch of the Orthodox Defense, Black meets 7. Rc1 with 7...b6 instead of 7...c6, intending to fianchetto the light-squared bishop. White replies 8. cxd5 exd5 and then 9. Bb5, which targets the c6 square weakened by ...b6 and puts pressure on the d7 knight. The exchange opens the c- and e-files. The usual reply is 9...Bb7. White scores well in practice, although the engine regards the position as roughly balanced.
Popular continuations
- 9... Bb7 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 79% 1,580
- 9... a6 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 8% 166
- 9... c5 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 8% 163
- 9... h6 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 2% 40
- 9... c6 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 1% 23
- 9... Ne4 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 1% 13
- 9... a5 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 0% 3
- 9... Re8 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 0% 2
- 9... Bb4 Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Capablanca Variation 0.1% 1