The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Pillsbury Variation is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D40. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. Bg5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after five 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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The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Pillsbury Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. Bg5. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D40.
The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Pillsbury Variation is ECO D40. 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. Nf3 c5 5. Bg5 at +0.06 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.
Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and two pawn captures are available, so the structure is still fluid. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.