The Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Canal Variation is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D50. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. cxd5 Qb6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and d5, and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five moves. White has doubled pawns on the d-file.
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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The Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Canal Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. cxd5 Qb6. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D50.
The Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Canal Variation is ECO D50. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. cxd5 Qb6 at +0.92 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and d5, and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. White has doubled pawns on the d-file.