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Queen's Gambit Declined

Orthodox Defense, Fianchetto Variation

D66positionalsolid

  1. 1.d4d5
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nc3Nf6
  4. 4.Bg5c6
  5. 5.Nf3Be7
  6. 6.e3Nbd7
  7. 7.Rc1O-O
  8. 8.Bd3dxc4
  9. 9.Bxc4b5
298 games48%46%

Orthodox Queen's Gambit Declined line in which Black meets 9. Bxc4 with 9...b5, gaining time on the bishop and fianchettoing the queen's bishop.

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About the Fianchetto Variation

The Fianchetto Variation is Black's alternative to Capablanca's freeing 9...Nd5 in the Orthodox main line. Instead of exchanging pieces, Black answers 9. Bxc4 with 9...b5, driving the bishop away and preparing ...Bb7 to develop the problem piece on the long diagonal. White's usual retreat is 10. Bd3, chosen far more often than 10. Bb3 or 10. Be2. The engine gives White a slight edge, while online results are close to even.

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