Queens Gambit Declined

The 'Queens gambit declined' is also one of the most popular openings. It aims at pressurizing the hostile queen-pawn with the object of luring it away from the centre.

White's intention to control the centre is clear and black doesn't have much choice in his moves.

Obviously by developing his knight on QB3, White wants to exercise control on central squares Q5 and K4. Black tries to neutralize this pressure by 3... NK-B3.

Black unpins his knight and also prepares the ground for castling.

This move further strengthens the centre and opens diagonal for King-Bishop protecting the gambit pawn. 5.N-B3 is equally sound.

This marks Black's complete Kingside developement.

Now the White king is tucked safely in the castle and the Rook is brought out to play.

Black exchanges his knight in order to come out of the cramp. Now his movements have become freer.

Black neutralizes whtes pressure on the centre but his Queen Bishop is still not free. 12.... P-K4 would be still better and more in harmony with Black's overall planning.

Now White dominates the King Bishop file and Black would try to check this domination. He will  also attempt to free his bishop from the cage he is in now.