Queen's gambit via 2.Nf3 move order pros and cons

Hi Everyone,

I have always played 2.c4 with white in the QG, but am considering switching to 2.Nf3 to avoid the QGA, which is an opening that is rather sharp and theoretical considering how infrequently I see it (I like the 3.e4 lines, though they are a lot of work and my results are mixed). I guess I would avoid the Albin as well, though it is probably something that one should look forward to facing, if well prepared.

Against the Slav/Semi-Slav I play 3.Nf3 followed by Nc3 and mainlines, while against the QGD I play 3.Nf3, going for the Catalan, so I see no real drawbacks to the 2.Nf3 more order. I guess black has stuff like 2.Bg4, which looks pretty bad, as well as 2.Nd7 followed by taking on c4 and Nb6, but again I really can't see this as something to worry about.

Thus, my question is... are there any serious drawbacks to this move order that I am overlooking, considering my repertoire choices?

Just to be clear, I will continue to meet 1.Nf6 with 2.c4, so there is no need to discuss move order problems there!

Cheers!

 After 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 what you intend to play? I am asking because 3.c4 can easily be met with dxc4 transposing to QGA positions when after 3.g3 black equalize with c5

White doesn't have the flexibility to meet 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 dxc4 with 4.g3 because 4...Nc6 makes 5...e5 unstoppable.

I think it will be good for your chess development to learn the classical approach of Whites on the QGA with the e3 lines.

Good point, I hadn't really thought about that seeing as I have always played 2.c4. After 3...dxc4 4.g3 Nc6 there is really nothing, eh? Such as Bf4, Qa4, etc.... I am looking at it in my head but I have to agree that the threat of e5 looks annoying to deal with.

So I guess if I choose this move order, I will have to learn the e3 line against the QGA... I guess I cannot really complain as it is not bad for white either.