Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
ECO D41 · Queen's Gambit Declined · solid · intermediate
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense (D41) is a solid chess opening in the Queen's Gambit Declined family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5. c5 without d5. Flexible pawn structure. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5
About this opening
The Semi-Tarrasch Defense (...c5 then ...Nxd5) avoids the isolated queen's pawn of the Tarrasch by recapturing on d5 with the knight. In return, Black accepts facing a mobile white center or hanging pawns, which are countered with active development and precise exchanges. Safer than the Tarrasch while remaining dynamic, it featured in the repertoire of champions like Boris Spassky.