The Symmetrical Variation is a variation of the Tarrasch Defense, catalogued as ECO D32. The line runs 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. d4 d5 6. cxd5 exd5, 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.
See all 25 Tarrasch Defense variations →
The Symmetrical Variation goes 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. d4 d5 6. cxd5 exd5. It is a variation of the Tarrasch Defense and is catalogued as ECO D32.
The Symmetrical Variation is ECO D32. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Tarrasch Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. d4 d5 6. cxd5 exd5 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 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.