Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense (D32)

The Tarrasch Defense is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D32. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. e3 c5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Nc3 a6 7. Be2 Nc6, reaching the position shown below after 14 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White 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: Tarrasch Defense — position after Nc6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. e3 c5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Nc3 a6 7. Be2 Nc6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3Nf3d5
4e3c5
5cxd5exd5
6Nc3a6
7Be2Nc6

ECO: D32

Stockfish: +0.23 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Queen's Gambit Declined lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Tarrasch Defense?

The Tarrasch Defense goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. e3 c5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Nc3 a6 7. Be2 Nc6. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D32.

What is the ECO code for the Tarrasch Defense?

The Tarrasch Defense is ECO D32. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined.

Is the Tarrasch Defense good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. e3 c5 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Nc3 a6 7. Be2 Nc6 at +0.23 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 Tarrasch Defense lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.