Queen's Gambit Declined: Harrwitz Attack, Fianchetto Defense (D37)

The Harrwitz Attack, Fianchetto Defense is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D37. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 b6, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 White to move after six moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.

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

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Queen's Gambit Declined: Harrwitz Attack, Fianchetto Defense — position after b6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 b6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e6
3Nc3Be7
4Nf3Nf6
5Bf4O-O
6e3b6

ECO: D37

Stockfish: +0.30 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, Fianchetto Defense?

The Harrwitz Attack, Fianchetto Defense goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 b6. 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, Fianchetto Defense?

The Harrwitz Attack, Fianchetto Defense 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, Fianchetto Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 b6 at +0.30 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, Fianchetto Defense 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 White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.