Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation, white starts with 1. d4. This move is aimed at controlling the center and paving the way for the development of the queen's bishop and knight. By controlling the center with pawns, White limits Black's mobility and prepares for a possible attack. The move d4 also allows for the possibility of exchanging pawns and gaining more space on the board. In sum, this move is a solid choice for White, as it sets up a wide range of possibilities and keeps the pressure on Black from the outset.

Black plays Nf6 in response to white's first move d4, aiming to occupy the center with their knight and challenge white's control over it. The knight also supports the future move e5, which can help black gain more space in the center. By playing Nf6, black develops a piece, prepares to castle kingside, and avoids the potential weaknesses that can arise from playing e6 too early. In sum, Nf6 is a flexible and solid move in response to white's d4.

Once White has played d4 and Black has responded with Nf6, White plays c4 to firmly control the center by advancing their pawn and supporting the knight on d4. This move also opens up the possibility of a future queen's gambit. Additionally, it allows White's light-squared bishop to develop more actively, either to c4 or b5, exerting pressure on Black's position. In sum, c4 is a key move in many popular openings and gives White a solid foundation upon which they can build their game.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation, black often plays e6 after white's move c4 to prepare for the pawn exchange in the center. e6 also supports the development of the light-squared bishop to d6, which can help control the center and attack white's pawn on c4. This move can also facilitate a possible move of d5 in the future to try to gain more space and control over the center. Additionally, e6 can make the black king safer by providing an escape square for the bishop in some lines. In sum, e6 helps Black gain a foothold in the center while keeping their position flexible.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White plays Nf3, developing a knight and preparing to castle kingside. This move guards the pawn on d4 and reaffirms White's control over the center. Additionally, Nf3 prepares for the possible opening of the position with e4 without blocking the development of the bishop on c1. By not committing to an immediate pawn move, White’s position remains flexible and ready to respond to Black's next move. Moreover, Nf3 supports a future attack on Black’s pawn chain with the move e3 and can also set up the possibility of a positional sacrifice on e6. In sum, Nf3 is a solid move that helps White build a strong position and maintain pressure on Black.

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3, Black can play the move d5, which contests control over the center while developing the queen's bishop. This move also opens up lines of attack on the white knight on f3 and can potentially force a pawn trade, simplifying the position. Additionally, d5 can allow Black to create a strong pawn duo in the center by recapturing with the pawn, providing good control of the board. By advancing the d-pawn, Black positions themselves for a solid and flexible game, ready to meet whatever move white commits to next. In sum, d5 is a strong and flexible move that sets Black up for a solid game.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation, after Black has responded with d5 to Nf3, White plays Nc3, supporting the pawn on d4 and developing the knight. This move also prepares the way for White to later advance e4, continuing to control the center. Nc3 also puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5, potentially forcing its capture by the knight, resulting in the isolated pawn on d5 if Black retakes with the c-pawn. Furthermore, Nc3 opens up possibilities for the light-squared bishop's development, possibly to b5 or c4, further pressuring Black's position. In sum, Nc3 is a strong move that furthers White's control of the center and prepares for a potential attack.

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3, Black plays Nbd7, developing the knight and preparing to castle kingside. This move also allows Black to further control the center and contest White's knight on c3, potentially forcing its capture and resulting in doubled pawns for White. Additionally, Nbd7 can prepare for a future c5 push or support a future attack on White's pawn on e4 by a knight on f6. In sum, Nbd7 is a flexible move that prepares Black for several possible continuations while keeping their position solid. It is considered a popular move in various opening systems.

In response to Black's Nbd7 in the 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Nbd7 line, White often chooses the move cxd5. This move opens up the board by exchanging pawns and creates a half-open c-file, making it possible to pressure Black's position on the queen's side. Additionally, cxd5 takes advantage of the fact that Black's bishop on e7 is still blocked by its own pawn, making it possible for White to avoid the potential danger of a bishop pinning White's knight on c3. The move cxd5 also controls the center and prepares for a possible future e4 pawn-break to put pressure on Black's position. In sum, cxd5 is a sensible move in this position that helps White control the board and maintain pressure on Black.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Sämisch Variation, after White has played cxd5, Black responds with exd5. This move opens the center and allows Black's light-squared bishop to freely develop, with the possibility of placing it on b4 and putting pressure on the white knight on c3. The move also allows Black to maintain a solid pawn structure without any potential weaknesses. By exchanging pawns, Black reduces the pressure on their own position, simplifies the position, and increases the likelihood of achieving a draw. In sum, exd5 is a safe and practical response that allows Black to equalize the position and set the foundation for the next phase of the game.

After Black’s exd5 capture in the 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 line, White often plays Bf4. This move asserts control over the e5 square and supports a possible future e4 pawn push. The bishop also puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5 and potentially threatens to trade off Black's strong pawn on c6. Bf4 also supports the idea of castling kingside and developing the rooks. Additionally, the bishop can be developed to b5 pinning the knight on d7, or retreated to e3 to create pressure on Black's center. In sum, by placing the bishop on f4, White gains better control over the center, increases their positional pressure, and prepares for future attacks on Black’s position.