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    Chess Openings

    Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation

    1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5 · ECO D50

    Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5. White: bishop on g5, pawn on c4, pawn on d4, knight on c3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, knight on g1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on e6, knight on f6, pawn on c5, pawn on d5.

    Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5. It is classified D50 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 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5.

    Variations continuing from this position

    Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation?
    The Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5. It is classified D50 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: Been-Koomen Variation?
    1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5. After these moves it is white to move.
    Is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation 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.
    What variations come from the Queen's Gambit Declined: Been-Koomen Variation?
    Named continuations include Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Canal Variation, Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Primitive Pillsbury Variation, Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation. There are 4 named variations reachable from this position in total.

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