Queen's Gambit Declined: Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit (D31)

The Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D31. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.

On the Queen's Gambit Declined generally: A solid and respected response to the Queen's Gambit. Black maintains a strong central presence.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit — position after f3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e6
3Nc3Be7
4e4dxe4
5f3

ECO: D31

Stockfish: -0.54 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Queen's Gambit Declined lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit?

The Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D31.

What is the ECO code for the Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit?

The Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit is ECO D31. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Is the Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. e4 dxe4 5. f3 at -0.54 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Charousek Variation, Miladinovic Gambit lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e4), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the e-file.