papachess.com

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack

Mastering Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack is an intricate opening with a vast number of variations. By breaking down the moves and analyzing the strategic implications of each, we can gain a deeper understanding of this formidable opening. Let's explore this opening move by move.

50%

50%

winrate

0%

This line (17 moves) is played in approximately 1 out of every 1000 games

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bg5 Be7 7. e3 O-O 8. Bd3 Bb7 9. Ne5. This opening aims to control the center of the board with the pawn on d4 and the knights on c3 and e5.

One of the strengths of this opening is that it allows white to build a strong pawn structure in the center of the board. The bishop on g5 can put pressure on the knight on f6, which can sometimes lead to an advantageous exchange. The move 9. Ne5 prepares to attack the weakened f7 square.

However, one of the weaknesses of this opening is that it can be difficult for white to develop the queen's bishop. This piece can often become trapped behind its own pawns, limiting its mobility and potential influence on the game. Additionally, the knight on e5 can be vulnerable to attacks from black's pieces.

In sum, Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack requires skillful maneuvering and strategic planning from white. Experienced players may appreciate the dynamic possibilities of the opening, while beginners may struggle with its complexity.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack, move by move

d4

+0.14

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack, White plays 1. d4 with the aim of controlling the central squares and expanding their control on the board. This move is a crucial one for developing the pieces and gaining influence on the board. By playing d4, White opens the way for the light-squared bishop and queen and puts pressure on the black position. This move is strategically important and aims to gain an advantage in the opening phase of the game.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack d4

Nf6

+0.64

Black plays Nf6 in response to 1. d4 to control the central squares, put pressure on White's position, and block White's pawn on d4. This move also prepares for the fianchetto of the kingside bishop to g7, influencing the important central squares. Additionally, Nf6 attacks White's pawn on e4, which could become a target later in the game. Black's move Nf6 is a common and flexible choice in many openings and helps Black to control the board.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack Nf6

c4

-0.12

After 1. d4 Nf6, White plays c4 to control the important central squares. This move expands White's control over the board and increases the influence of the queen's bishop. By advancing the c-pawn, White puts pressure on Black to respond and tries to force Black into making a decision regarding their own pawn structure. Additionally, c4 prepares for the development of the knight to c3, which is a common and useful square for that piece. In sum, White's move of c4 is a key move to gain control of the center and prepare for future development.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack c4

e6

+0.63

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack, Black plays e6 in response to 2. c4 to control the central squares d5 and f5. This move prepares to neutralize the effect of the white pawn on d4 by blocking its potential advance. By playing e6, Black positions their pawns on light squares, which helps to control the dark squares around their own king and opens a diagonal for the light-squared bishop. Furthermore, e6 allows the development of the kingside bishop to b7, which can put pressure on the white pawn on c4. In sum, Black's move of e6 is a flexible and solid option to defend against White's central expansion.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack e6

Nf3

-0.19

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White plays Nf3 to continue their development and control the center of the board. This move prepares for the pawn advance to d4, which would put pressure on the black position. Furthermore, Nf3 supports the pawn on c4 and helps to control the important square e4. Additionally, by playing Nf3, White prepares the development of the kingside pieces and ultimately allows for the castle. White's move of Nf3 is a solid and flexible choice to continue their development and prepare for future tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack Nf3

b6

+0.68

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3, Black plays b6 to exert pressure on White's center and prepare for the fianchetto of the dark-squared bishop. By playing b6, Black gains control of the important diagonal a7-g1, which can be used to attack White's position. Additionally, b6 prepares for the development of the light-squared bishop to b7 or a6, which can attack White's central pawn structure. Furthermore, this move helps to control the square c5 and prevents the development of the white knight to that square. In sum, Black's move of b6 is a flexible and useful move to control the center and prepare for future piece development.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack b6

Nc3

-0.14

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack, after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6, White plays Nc3 to continue their development and increase their control over the center. This move prepares for the advance of the d4-pawn and puts pressure on Black's position. By playing Nc3, White brings their knight closer to the center and prepares for its potential future development to d5 or e4. Additionally, Nc3 helps White to maintain control over the b5-square and prevents Black's knight from occupying that square. In sum, White's move of Nc3 is a flexible and useful move to continue their development and prepare for future tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack Nc3

d5

+0.88

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3, Black plays d5 to gain control over the central squares and attack White's pawn on c4. This move also helps to open up a line for Black's light-squared bishop and brings another piece into the game. Additionally, d5 supports the knight on f6 and increases Black's control over the center. By playing d5, Black sets up a pawn chain with pawns on d5 and e6, which is a solid and flexible pawn structure. In sum, Black's move of d5 is a useful and active move to gain more control over the center and prepare for tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack d5

cxd5

+0.57

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 d5, White captures Black's pawn on d5 with cxd5. This move helps to open up the center of the board and increase White's space advantage. Additionally, by playing cxd5, White gains control over the square d5, which is an important central square. This move also forces Black's knight to go to an unfavorable square like c6 or e4, making it more difficult for Black to find good squares for their knights. Furthermore, cxd5 helps White to develop their minor pieces and prepares for future tactical possibilities. In sum, White's capture of Black's pawn on d5 is an important move to gain control over the center and prepare for future tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack cxd5

exd5

+0.78

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack, after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5, Black captures White's pawn with exd5, opening up the position and destroying White's pawn structure. This move also frees up Black's dark-squared bishop and helps it to participate in the game. Additionally, by capturing with exd5, Black gains space on the board and opens up lines for their pieces. This move is strategically sound as it breaks the symmetry in the position and gives Black more control over the center. Furthermore, exd5 prepares for the development of the kingside pieces and the possible advance of the pawns in that area of the board. In sum, Black's capture of White's pawn on d5 is a useful and active move to gain more control over the center and prepare for tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack exd5

Bg5

+0.3

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 exd5, White plays Bg5 to pin Black's knight on f6 and threaten to capture the pawn on d5 again. This move also helps White to develop their bishop to a more active square and increase pressure on Black's position. Additionally, by pinning the knight on f6, White restricts Black's piece mobility and makes it harder for them to develop their kingside bishop and castle. Furthermore, Bg5 prepares for the future capture on f6, which can double Black's pawns or open up lines for White's pieces. In sum, White's move of Bg5 is a useful and active move to increase their pressure on Black's position and prepare for future tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack Bg5

Be7

+0.77

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bg5, Black plays Be7 to develop their bishop and guard the important square f6. This move also maintains the tension in the center of the board and prepares for the eventual castle. Additionally, by playing Be7, Black indirectly puts pressure on the white knight on c3 and prepares to double their rooks on the d-file. Furthermore, Be7 helps to control the diagonal a2-g8, which could be used by White's queen for an attack on Black's position. In sum, Black's move of Be7 is a useful and flexible move to develop their pieces and prepare for future tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack Be7

e3

+0.02

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack, after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bg5 Be7, White plays e3 to solidify their pawn structure and control the center of the board. This move prepares for the castle and allows the development of the light-squared bishop to e2 or d3. Additionally, e3 reinforces White's control over the d4-square and limits Black's possible tactical possibilities with their light-squared bishop. Furthermore, e3 also prepares for the potential advance of the d-pawn while maintaining the threat of capturing on d5. In sum, White's move of e3 is a useful and flexible move to continue their development, reinforce their position, and prepare for future tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack e3

O-O

+0.61

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bg5 Be7 7. e3, Black castles kingside to connect the rooks and increase the safety of their king in the endgame. This move also allows the rook on f8 to come into play and participate in the game. Additionally, by castling kingside, Black allows their knight on f6 to move to more active squares like g4 or e4. Furthermore, O-O prepares for the potential doubling of the rooks on the d-file and increases the possibility of Black's piece coordination. In sum, Black's move of O-O is a useful and flexible move to increase the safety of their king, develop their rook, and prepare for tactical possibilities in the endgame.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack O-O

Bd3

+0.18

After 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 d5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bg5 Be7 7. e3 O-O, White plays Bd3 to develop their bishop and prepare for potential exchanges on the e4-square. This move also reinforces the control over the central squares and creates more pressure on the black knight on f6. Additionally, Bd3 prepares for the potential maneuver of the bishop to a5 or c5, which could put pressure on the black position. Furthermore, this move allows for increased flexibility in White's positional strategy and prevents the double of Black's pawns on the e-file. In sum, White's move of Bd3 is a useful and flexible move to continue their development and prepare for future tactical possibilities.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack Bd3

Bb7

+0.74

This move is not described yet.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack Bb7

Ne5

+0.1

This move is not described yet.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack Ne5

How to play the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack is played by White with the aim of controlling the center of the board. Begin with 1. d4, followed by Nf3, c4, and Bg5. Exchange on d5 with the knight. Develop your pieces, knight to c3, bishop to e2, rook to d1. Attack black's vulnerable e6 pawn, and prepare to launch an assault on their kingside.

How to counter the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack can be countered by Black with precise moves. Begin by playing b6, and avoid blocking the f8 bishop. Advance with d5, and make use of your dark squared bishop. Trade off pieces to reduce White's pressure, and use your light squared bishop to target the weakened d4 pawn. Castle and defend your kingside, always being mindful of potential attacks.

Pawn structure in the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack results in a strong pawn structure for White. The d4 and e5 pawns form a pawn duo controlling the center. Black's d5 pawn is the most likely pawn to be attacked and can become isolated or weak if not protected. White's f2 and c2 pawns are part of a solid pawn chain protecting the king. Black's pawn structure is slightly less compact due to the c6 and b6 pawns but still offers good control of the center.

The papachess advice

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack is a strategically complex and challenging opening that offers both white and black intriguing possibilities for the game's outcome. The strong pawn structure, control of the center, and preparation to attack the weakened f7 square are excellent features of this opening. However, developing the queen's bishop and defending the knight on e5 can be challenging for White. A solid defense and accurate play by Black can counter White's strategy and even lead to a more favorable position. With precise move choices and careful preparation, players can better understand and master this opening and gain an advantage on the board. Whether you are an experienced player looking for a challenge or a beginner seeking to expand your opening repertoire, Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack is a worthwhile addition to your game.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Pillsbury Attack in brief

Eco code : D55

17 moves

queen's gambit

Strong pawn structure

controls center

pressure on Knight

prepares to attack f7 square

Difficulty in developing the Queen’s Bishop

vulnerable knight on e5

I found a mistake!