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, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black 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 five moves.

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.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Harrwitz Attack — position after Bf4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3d5
4Nc3Be7
5Bf4

ECO: D37

Stockfish: +0.29 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Gambit Declined lines

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. 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 at +0.29 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black 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.