Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation

The Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation meets the pin 4. Bg5 with 4...c5, which strikes at d4 before Black has played ...Be7. After 5. cxd5, Black usually recaptures with 5...exd5 and reaches a Tarrasch-like structure in which the d5 pawn can become isolated. The main alternative is 5...cxd4, and 5...Qb6 is the Canal Variation. If White plays 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. Qxd4, the game enters the Primitive Pillsbury Variation. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, though White scores well in practice.