Tarrasch Defense: Prague Variation (D33)

The Prague Variation is a variation of the Tarrasch Defense, catalogued as ECO D33. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Nf6, reaching the position shown below after 12 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 two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves.

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.

Tarrasch Defense: Prague Variation — position after Nf6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Nf6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2c4e6
3Nc3c5
4cxd5exd5
5Nf3Nc6
6g3Nf6

ECO: D33

Stockfish: +0.40 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Tarrasch Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Prague Variation?

The Prague Variation goes 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nf3 Nc6 6. g3 Nf6. It is a variation of the Tarrasch Defense and is catalogued as ECO D33.

What is the ECO code for the Prague Variation?

The Prague Variation is ECO D33. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Tarrasch Defense.

Is the Prague 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 at +0.40 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 Prague Variation 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 two minor pieces each. It is White to move.