The Baltic Defense (1.d4 d5 2.c4 Bf5) differs markedly in comparison to conventional responses to the Queen’s Gambit. Instead of reinforcing the d5-pawn with 2…e6/2…c6 or capturing on c4, Black simply makes a developing move. The downside is that after 3.cxd5 White will have two center pawns against one, and Black is unable to rely on a pawn base on d5 (the Marshall Defense, 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nf6?!, has the same problem after 3.cxd5). Black must play accurately with the unusual 3…Bxb1 to avoid being overrun in the center.
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