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

The Harrwitz Attack, Two Knights Defense 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 Nbd7, 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, Two Knights Defense — position after Nbd7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3d5
4Nc3Be7
5Bf4O-O
6e3Nbd7

ECO: D37

Stockfish: +0.21 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, Two Knights Defense?

The Harrwitz Attack, Two Knights Defense goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7. 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, Two Knights Defense?

The Harrwitz Attack, Two Knights 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, Two Knights Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 Nbd7 at +0.21 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, Two Knights 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.