1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Queen's Gambit Declined, Ragozin Variation
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4ECO D38–D39
A hybrid of the QGD and Nimzo-Indian: Black plays …Bb4 to pin the c3-knight while supporting d5, mixing solid central control with active piece pressure. Fashionable at the top level, it gives Black a dynamic, flexible way to meet 1.d4 without committing to a passive setup.
Key ideas
- …Bb4 pins the knight (Nimzo-style) while …d5 keeps a firm central foothold (QGD-style).
- Black aims for …dxc4, …c5 or …Bxc3 followed by piece play against White's centre.
- It blends two great systems — solid structure plus the active pin — into one flexible weapon.
Who it suits
Players who want a modern, dynamic QGD with Nimzo-Indian piece pressure.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Queen's Gambit Declined, Ragozin Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer