Queen's Gambit Declined · D50

Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Krause Variation

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 c5 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 e5 7. Ndb5 a6 8. Qa4

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.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. c4 Challenges the pawn on d5 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Queen's Gambit: development and initiative over material.
• 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Queen's Gambit Declined.

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