Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation (D50)

The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause 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. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5 7. Ndb5 a6 8. Qa4, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5 and e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after eight moves.

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: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation — position after Qa4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5 7. Ndb5 a6 8. Qa4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e6
3Nc3Nf6
4Bg5c5
5Nf3cxd4
6Nxd4e5
7Ndb5a6
8Qa4

ECO: D50

Stockfish: -0.65 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Gambit Declined lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation?

The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5 7. Ndb5 a6 8. Qa4. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D50.

What is the ECO code for the Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation?

The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause 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.

Is the Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5 7. Ndb5 a6 8. Qa4 at -0.65 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. 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 Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5 and e5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.