Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line (D42)

The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D42. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e3 Nc6 7. Bd3, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves.

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

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line — position after Bd3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e3 Nc6 7. Bd3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3d5
4Nc3c5
5cxd5Nxd5
6e3Nc6
7Bd3

ECO: D42

Stockfish: +0.12 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line?

The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e3 Nc6 7. Bd3. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D42.

What is the ECO code for the Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line?

The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line is ECO D42. 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, Main Line good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e3 Nc6 7. Bd3 at +0.12 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 Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.