Queen's Gambit Declined · D37

Harrwitz Attack, after 1... Nf6, through 10. a3

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 O-O 6. e3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. Qc2 Nc6 9. Rd1 Qa5 10. a3

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. ...e6 holds d5 at the cost of the c8-bishop's freedom: Black plays the most solid structure in chess and times ...c5 or ...dxc4 to free the game. White's knight on c3 is pinned against the king.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
• 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn.
• 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5.

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