Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation

A solid and classical chess opening, the Reshevsky Variation offers a balanced game with chances for both sides to create imbalances and fight for the initiative.

The Reshevsky Variation is a popular and well-respected line within the Queen's Gambit Declined family of openings. It is named after the American Grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky, who was known for his solid and classical approach to the game. This variation is characterized by an early exchange of pawns in the center, followed by the development of the light-squared bishop to g5, pinning the black knight on f6.

In this opening, White aims to create a pawn majority on the queenside, while Black seeks counterplay in the center and on the kingside. The position often leads to a symmetrical pawn structure, which can result in a balanced game with chances for both sides to create imbalances and fight for the initiative.

One of the key ideas for White in this variation is to play for a minority attack on the queenside, targeting Black's c6 pawn and trying to create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure. Black, on the other hand, can look for opportunities to break in the center with moves like ...c5 or ...e5, or to generate kingside play with moves like ...Bg4 or ...Ne4.

Both sides have a variety of plans and ideas at their disposal, making the Reshevsky Variation a rich and complex battleground for players of all levels. It is a solid choice for those looking to avoid sharp tactical battles and instead focus on strategic play and long-term planning.