The Semi-Tarrasch Defense is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D41. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5, reaching the position shown below after 9 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 Black 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 Semi-Tarrasch Defense goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D41.
The Semi-Tarrasch Defense is ECO D41. 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 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 at +0.35 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.
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 Black to move. White has doubled pawns on the d-file.