Theoria
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Queen's Gambit Declined

Orthodox Defense, Pillsbury Variation

D63positionaloffbeat

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nc3d5
  4. 4.Bg5Be7
  5. 5.e3O-O
  6. 6.Nf3Nbd7
  7. 7.Rc1b6
  8. 8.cxd5exd5
  9. 9.Bd3
82 games56%39%

A rare Orthodox Defense line where Black meets 7. Rc1 with 7...b6 and White exchanges on d5, blunting Black's fianchettoed bishop.

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About the Pillsbury Variation

The Pillsbury Variation answers the Main Line 7. Rc1 with 7...b6, preparing a queenside fianchetto instead of the usual 7...c6. White replies 8. cxd5 exd5, fixing a black pawn on d5 that obstructs the coming bishop, and develops with 9. Bd3. Black nearly always continues 9...Bb7. The alternative 9...c5 seeks activity at the risk of hanging pawns. The line is rarely played, and the engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations