Chess opening · ECO D35
Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation starts 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5. It ranks #162 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
- 2... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
- 3. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 3... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
- 4. cxd5White takes the pawn on d5 with the c-pawn.
At the end of the line White is a pawn up. Black can take back on d5 at once.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. exd5 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | exd5 100% | – | – |
| 1200–1399 | exd5 66% | Nxd5 34% | – |
| 1400–1599 | exd5 57% | Nxd5 43% | – |
| 1600–1799 | exd5 64% | Nxd5 36% | – |
| 1800–1999 | exd5 81% | Nxd5 19% | – |
| 2000 and up | exd5 93% | Nxd5 7% | – |
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