Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Chandler Variation (D34)

The Classical Variation, Chandler Variation is a variation of the Tarrasch Defense, catalogued as ECO D34. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Nf6 7. Bg2 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. Bg5 cxd4 10. Nxd4 h6 11. Be3 Re8 12. Rc1 Be6, reaching the position shown below after 24 half-moves.

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is White to move after 12 moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; Black’s d-file pawn is isolated; the c-file file is fully open.

On the Tarrasch Defense generally: ECO D32. A chess opening with 26 known variations.

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.

Position characteristics

• Same-side castling
• Isolated pawn
• Open file

Related Tarrasch Defense lines

• Classical Variation
• Classical Variation, Advance Variation
• Classical Variation, Bogoljubow Variation
• Classical Variation, Carlsbad Variation
• Classical Variation, Classical Tarrasch Gambit
• Classical Variation, Endgame Variation
• Classical Variation, Main Line
• Classical Variation, Petursson Variation
• Grünfeld Gambit
• Marshall Gambit
• Symmetrical Variation
• Symmetrical Variation

See all 25 Tarrasch Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Variation, Chandler Variation?

The Classical Variation, Chandler Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Nf6 7. Bg2 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. Bg5 cxd4 10. Nxd4 h6 11. Be3 Re8 12. Rc1 Be6. It is a variation of the Tarrasch Defense and is catalogued as ECO D34.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Variation, Chandler Variation?

The Classical Variation, Chandler Variation is ECO D34. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Tarrasch Defense.

Is the Classical Variation, Chandler Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Nf6 7. Bg2 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. Bg5 cxd4 10. Nxd4 h6 11. Be3 Re8 12. Rc1 Be6 at +0.73 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Classical Variation, Chandler Variation lead to?

Black holds the centre with pawns on d5. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; Black’s d-file pawn is isolated; the c-file file is fully open.