Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...d5/2. c4/2...e6/3. Nc3/3...Nf6/4. Nf3/4...Be7/5. Bf4/5...O-O/6. e3

Queen’s Gambit Declined Blackburne Variation After the developing move 6. e3, Black has 3 choices: -She can take advantage of the Bishop being on f4 instead of g5, which doesn’t pressure the d5 pawn, and play 6...c5 without fear of being forced into an IQP structure. However, this line is entry to the rabbit hole and leads to very complicated positions. -6...Nbd7 is a more solid choice and avoids the complications of the main line. However, it allows 7. c5 resulting in white having a pleasant space advantage. -6...b6 is the most solid way for Black to play, resulting in positions resembling the Tartokower Defense.