What is this opening called?

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Avatar of BISHOP221

So this has been my favorite opening for awhile now when i play as white. But i've no idea what it is called or if this has already been played before or not. I would love it if you could comment on its strengths and its weaknesses. Here it goes....

1. d4 -...

2. e3 -...

2. Nf3 -...

4. c4 -...

5. Nc3 _...

 

Avatar of hankm

I'm not sure if it really has a specific name, besides just being a generic queen pawn opening. It would really depend on what black does.

It seems pretty solid to me. Altogether, it looks like a good set-up to aim for, which should give you a decent middle-game, without having to know a nightmarish amout of theory. I would, however, reccomend a couple things:

1. It is usually best to play c4 a bit earlier, prefereably right after d4, which takes the game into a classic Queen's Gambit. This is a bit faster than with a preperatory e3, and attacks black's center earlier on. After 1. d4 d5 2. c4, black can take the pawn, but it is very easy to gain it back in a few moves. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable being a pawn down, you can always gain it right back if black takes by 2...dxc4 3. Qa4+.

2. It is (generally speaking) a good idea to move out your dark-squared bishop before shutting it in with e3. Otherwise, it just has a hard time developing. g5 is probably the most popular place for it, but the less aggressive square f4 is just fine.

Hope this helps!

Avatar of BreedBaxter

It's a weird off-line of the Queen's gambit, transposed from a Colle.

Avatar of litevibe

BISHOP221,

You are playing the Queen's Gambit Declined (D07).  It is considered sound for white and and has been played at the highest levels of chess.  By declinig the gambit, Black may choose principally the Slav or Semi-Slav Defence.  Some other less likely choices for Black are the Manhattan, Cambridige Springs, Tartakower, Semi-Tarrasch and Lasker Defences.  You probably know that White has the option of continuing with the Exchange variation (c x d) and in some positions giving Black an isolated pawn. 

Avatar of BISHOP221

Thanks guys!!! The next time i play, i'll be sure to keep your advice in mind :) 

Avatar of TheWinningGenius

i learned something new!