Queen's Gambit Declined: Spielmann Variation (D30)

The Spielmann Variation is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D30. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 c6 5. Nbd2 g6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.

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: Spielmann Variation — position after g6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 c6 5. Nbd2 g6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e6
3Nf3Nf6
4e3c6
5Nbd2g6

ECO: D30

Stockfish: +0.62 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Gambit Declined lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Spielmann Variation?

The Spielmann Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 c6 5. Nbd2 g6. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D30.

What is the ECO code for the Spielmann Variation?

The Spielmann Variation is ECO D30. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Is the Spielmann Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 c6 5. Nbd2 g6 at +0.62 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Spielmann Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.