The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, with e3 is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D40. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c5 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nc6 6. Bd3, reaching the position shown below after 11 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. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six 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, with e3 goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c5 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nc6 6. Bd3. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D40.
The Semi-Tarrasch Defense, with e3 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 c5 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nc6 6. Bd3 at -0.16 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. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move.