Chess opening · ECO D06
Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Marshall Defense starts 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nf6. It ranks #92 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... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. c4White pushes the c-pawn two squares to c4.
- 2... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Nc3; among players rated 2000 and up, it is cxd5.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nc3 28% | Nf3 23% | e3 20% |
| 1200–1399 | Nc3 47% | e3 15% | cxd5 15% |
| 1400–1599 | Nc3 53% | e3 13% | cxd5 12% |
| 1600–1799 | Nc3 55% | cxd5 17% | e3 11% |
| 1800–1999 | Nc3 54% | cxd5 27% | e3 9% |
| 2000 and up | cxd5 50% | Nc3 43% | Nf3 5% |
Related openings
Practice it against a human-like opponent.
BeaconChess opponents open from these same books, then play human-like moves for their level while the coach explains your moves in plain English. The first coached game is free.
Play a free coached game →Played this opening recently?
Paste the game into the free analyzer to find the moves that cost you, with each mistake explained. Three analyses are free, with no email or card.
Analyze a game free →