Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Defense

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5

By hitting back in the center right away with 4...c5, Black is creating a great battle there - having waited until after the knight came to f6, Black is ready to recapture on d5 with the knight. This can lead to more simplification than the 'normal' Tarrasch.

Pros:

  • Solid opening
  • Positional
  • Open, free play

Cons:

  • White can create a big center
  • Lots of simplification
  • Rather one-dimensional
Lesson

Learn The Queen's Gambit Exchange Variation

Learn the key ideas for both sides in the popular Exchange Variation of the Queen's Gambit. This video also covers the active, but risky Tarrasch Defense and the solid Semi-Tarrasch Defense.
28 min
10 Challenges
Top Players