Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense, Argentinian Gambit position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Bf5 3.cxd5 Bxb1 4.Qa4+ c6 5.dxc6 Nxc6. White: queen on a4, pawn on d4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on c6, bishop on b1.
Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense, Argentinian Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Bf5 3.cxd5 Bxb1 4.Qa4+ c6 5.dxc6 Nxc6. It is classified D06 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Queen's Gambit Declined meets 1.d4 d5 2.c4 by supporting the d5 pawn with e6 rather than capturing. It is one of the most respected defences in chess, chosen in world championship matches for over a century because it gives Black a rock-solid centre that is very hard to break down.
Strategic character
Black shuts in the light-squared bishop with e6 in exchange for a stable centre. The recurring strategic themes are freeing the position with c5 or e5, and the minority attack, where White advances the queenside pawns to create a weakness in Black's structure.
Who should play it
Players who want a dependable answer to 1.d4 and are comfortable in classical positions where small structural advantages decide the game.
This line is a variation within the Queen's Gambit Declined family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Bf5 3.cxd5 Bxb1 4.Qa4+ c6 5.dxc6 Nxc6.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense, Argentinian Gambit?
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense, Argentinian Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Bf5 3.cxd5 Bxb1 4.Qa4+ c6 5.dxc6 Nxc6. It is classified D06 in the ECO system. The Queen's Gambit Declined meets 1.d4 d5 2.c4 by supporting the d5 pawn with e6 rather than capturing. It is one of the most respected defences in chess, chosen in world championship matches for over a century because it gives Black a rock-solid centre that is very hard to break down.
What are the moves of the Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense, Argentinian Gambit?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 Bf5 3.cxd5 Bxb1 4.Qa4+ c6 5.dxc6 Nxc6. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Baltic Defense, Argentinian Gambit good for beginners?
Players who want a dependable answer to 1.d4 and are comfortable in classical positions where small structural advantages decide the game.