D35

Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation

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Overview

Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation is a gambit, classified under ECO code D35 within the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family. As with all gambits, one side sacrifices material early — usually a pawn — in exchange for development, open lines, or initiative.

The Closed & Semi-Closed Games group covers closed and semi-closed games — 1.d4 systems characterised by long strategic manoeuvring rather than early tactics.

It begins with 7 plies and takes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 to reach the canonical position.

It continues primarily into one named line, Positional Variation.

Together the deeper variations number 8 across the full subtree.

Step through the moves on the interactive board below, review the live Lichess statistics, or play this position against Stockfish at one of six difficulty levels.

ECO code: D35
Group: Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
Plies: 7
Direct variations: 1
Total in subtree: 8

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Statistics from Lichess

5,525,007 games · White 51.9% / Draw 5.9% / Black 42.3%

Moves	Games	W / D / B
exd5	4,166,075
Nxd5	1,257,334
Bb4	39,623
Be7	28,951
c6	10,430
c5	9,161
e5	4,505
Bd6	2,770

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:42:46

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Variations (1)

D35 Positional Variation

Show all 8 sub-variations (full subtree)