Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, White's first move is d4. This pawn move not only gains control of the center of the board but also clears the way for White's pieces to enter the game. By playing d4, White aims to establish a strong pawn chain and gain space on the board. The move also prepares options for White's pieces to come to life, including the knight on c3 and the bishop on c1. In sum, d4 is a solid and flexible move that sets the foundation for White's strategy in this opening.

Black's move Nf6 is an attempt to control the center and prepare pawn breaks on e5 or c5. Moreover, Nf6 also supports pawn to e6, creating a strong pawn structure that can withstand White's attacks. The knight on f6 also puts pressure on White's pawn on d4, making it difficult for White to maintain control over the center of the board. By playing Nf6, Black aims to develop a piece and assert some influence on the board before white can gain complete control over the position.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6, White's c4 move adds further pressure to Black's knight on f6. This pawn move is also a crucial part of controlling the center of the board and gaining more space. Moreover, c4 creates the possibility of pushing the pawn to d5 in the future, disrupting Black's pawn structure and weakening their position. By playing c4, White is asserting their dominance over the board and creating a foundation for their developing pieces. The move also prepares for the development of White's light-squared bishop to c4 or g5.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Black's move e6 controls White's pawn on d5. Additionally, e6 supports Black's pawn chain and prepares for the development of their light-squared bishop to d6 or b4. This move also allows Black to create a strong pawn structure with pawns on c5, d6, and e6, which can prove difficult for White to break. By playing e6, Black also aims to limit White's attacking options and focus on solidifying their own position. In sum, e6 is an important move that helps Black gain control over the center of the board and prepares for future moves.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White's move Nc3 develops a piece and supports their pawn on d4. By developing the knight, White increases their control over the center of the board and prepares to castle their king. Additionally, Nc3 frees up the d1 square for White's dark-squared bishop, which can be developed to f4 or g5. The move also puts some pressure on Black's pawn on d5 and prepares for future pawn breaks with b2-b4. In general, Nc3 is a flexible move that contributes to White's development and control over the board.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3, Black's move d5 is a central pawn break that aims to challenge White's control over the center and gain space. By playing d5, Black also opens up lines for their pieces, including the bishop on c8 and the queen on d8. Moreover, d5 attacks White's pawn on c4, forcing White to act and make a decision about how to defend the pawn. By playing d5, Black aims to take control of the game and establish an equal position. This move is central to Black's strategy in this opening.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, White's move cxd5 is a pawn capture that aims to disrupt Black's pawn structure and create doubled pawns. By capturing Black's pawn on d5 with the c-pawn, White also ensures that their own pawn on d4 remains protected, maintaining their strong pawn chain in the center of the board. Additionally, cxd5 opens up the c-file, which can be utilized by White's pieces, particularly the rooks. This move also creates an isolated pawn on Black's c-file, which can be a potential weakness for Black in the later stages of the game. In sum, cxd5 is a strategic move that aims to gain a positional advantage for White.