Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack (D30)

The Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, catalogued as ECO D30. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 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 one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero. 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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Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack — position after Bg5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e6
3Nf3c5
4cxd5exd5
5Bg5

ECO: D30

Stockfish: +0.34 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, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack?

The Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5. It is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined and is catalogued as ECO D30.

What is the ECO code for the Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack?

The Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack is ECO D30. 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, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 at +0.34 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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, Pseudo-Tarrasch Bishop Attack 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. White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero. It is Black to move.