Queen's Gambit Declined: Harrwitz Attack (D37)

The Harrwitz Attack is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D37. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. Qc2 Nc6 9. a3 Qa5 10. O-O-O, reaching the position shown below after 19 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after ten moves. The kings have gone to opposite wings (White queenside, Black kingside), which usually means both sides attack with pawns and the faster attack wins.

On the Queen's Gambit Declined generally: A solid and respected response to the Queen's Gambit. Black maintains a strong central presence.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Position characteristics

• Opposite-side castling

Related Queen's Gambit Declined lines

• Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation
• Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation
• Exchange Variation, Reshevsky Variation
• Harrwitz Attack
• Harrwitz Attack
• Harrwitz Attack, Fianchetto Defense
• Harrwitz Attack, Main Line
• Harrwitz Attack, Orthodox Defense
• Austrian Defense, Haberditz Variation
• Baltic Defense, Argentinian Gambit
• Chigorin Defense, Exchange Variation, Costa's Line
• Albin Countergambit, Balogh Variation

See all 150 Queen's Gambit Declined variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Harrwitz Attack?

The Harrwitz Attack goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. Qc2 Nc6 9. a3 Qa5 10. O-O-O. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D37.

What is the ECO code for the Harrwitz Attack?

The Harrwitz Attack is ECO D37. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Is the Harrwitz Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. Qc2 Nc6 9. a3 Qa5 10. O-O-O at +0.22 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Harrwitz Attack lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. The kings have gone to opposite wings (White queenside, Black kingside), which usually means both sides attack with pawns and the faster attack wins.