Queen's Gambit Declined · D41

Semi-Tarrasch Defense, after 1. c4, through 5... e6

1. c4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nc6 4. g3 d5 5. d4 e6

...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.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the English Opening.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Symmetrical Variation.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.

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