Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation (D35)

The Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D35. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves.

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

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Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation — position after Bf4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3d5
4Nc3Nbd7
5cxd5exd5
6Bf4

ECO: D35

Stockfish: +0.16 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Gambit Declined lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation?

The Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D35.

What is the ECO code for the Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation?

The Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation is ECO D35. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Is the Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4 at +0.16 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.