Classical Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined

Summary by Krater

The video analyzes the Classical (Orthodox) Variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf4 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 0-0 6. Nf3 Nbd7, comparing White's fourth move choices (Rc1, Qc2 Rubinstein Variation, cxd5, and Bd3 Botvinnik Variation) and concluding that the Rubinstein Variation with Qc2 gives White the best winning chances.

From the video

Answers: How to play and respond to the Classical Orthodox variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined for White and Black?

• Queen's Gambit Declined Classical Orthodox Variation
• Rubinstein Variation Qc2
• Botvinnik Variation Bd3
• Main Line Rc1
• Henneberg Variation a6
• Isolated Queen's Pawn positions
• Minority attack strategies

What it concludes

• White wins 38 percent of games with c5, while black wins 13 percent.
• White wins 40 percent of games with c6, while black wins 17 percent.
• White wins 32 percent of games with h6, while black wins 16 percent.
• White wins 43 percent of games with a6.
• The Rubinstein variation with Qc2 provides White with the most active and advantageous lines against the Classical QGD.