Classical Variation, Tarrasch Variation

This Tarrasch Variation, distinct from the 3. Nd2 line of the same name, is the seldom-played 7. Bd3, chosen in place of the standard 7. f4. White puts the bishop on the b1–h7 diagonal at once but leaves e5 without the f-pawn's support. The usual replies are 7...a6 and 7...c5, played about equally often, with 7...O-O a distant third. Black has scored well after 7...a6, and the engine rates the position as level.