11 Best Games on Queen’s Gambit Declined

Queen’s Gambit Declined is a very popular variation of the Queen’s Gambit in which black declines the pawn sacrifice offered by white. Move 2…e6 supports the central pawn and releases the dark-squared bishop. Black obtains a solid position, but gives white some edge in the center as well as making light-squared bishop passive. In some variations, black can totally give up the center playing …dxc4. This defense is probably one of the safest ways for black to treat 1.d4. Many great games were played with this opening and will explore some of them in this article.

Game 1:

Queen’s Gambit Declined – Game 2:

Game 3:

Ready to start systematic training that actually works?

Click here to start your training using the day-by-day program.

Queen’s Gambit Declined – Game 4:

Game 5:

Queen’s Gambit Declined – Game 6:

Game 7:

Game 8:

Queen’s Gambit Declined – Game 9:

Game 10:

Game 11:

If you want to improve your chess level, you need to have a clear study plan. If you aim for a dramatic improvement at chess you need to work on all of the elements of the game in a systematic way:

• tactics
• positional play
• attacking skills
• endgame technique
• classical games analysis
• psychological preparation
• and much more

That seems to be like a lot of things, and that is. But no worries, we have made it easy for you. Our comprehensive training course covers it all and much more. Sign up for 21 Day Training right now!

Ready to start winning games with Queen’s Gambit (Declined)? Check out our store and articles:

• Winning with It – Part 1 – IM Andrew Martin

• Part 2 – Winning with It – IM Andrew Martin

• Part 3 – Winning with It – IM Andrew Martin

• The Ragozin Defense

• Alternative Plans

• 10 Reasons to Play It

• Elephant Trap

• 10 Best Chess Games on It

We also recommend reviewing the 3 Best Openings for Beginners.

About the Authors:

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea is an active chess player and teaching chess for over two years. European champion U10, winner of several Romanian national championship medals, Woman International Master title since 2011. One Woman Grandmaster norm. Highest FIDE rating 2302.

IM Renier Castellanos is an active chess player and trainer for over 10 years, has worked for Chessbase and done live commentary on several major events, winner in many international tournaments. One Grandmaster norm. Highest FIDE rating 2529.