Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Exchange Variation

Instead of the restrained 6. e3 of the Main Line, White uses the moment after 5. cxd5 Nxd5 to play 6. e4, gaining time on the centralized knight and occupying the center with pawns. Black usually answers 6...Nxc3, by far the most common reply. After 7. bxc3 cxd4 8. cxd4, White has a mobile d4–e4 pawn duo and open lines for the pieces. Black has a compact position with no structural weaknesses and directs play against d4 using the half-open c-file and pressure from the queenside. The game revolves around whether White can advance the center or use it for a kingside initiative before Black's counterplay against the pawns takes effect. Ding Liren, Anish Giri, Vladimir Kramnik and Magnus Carlsen have all used this line.

The alternatives 6...cxd4 and the retreat 6...Nf6 are far less common, and White scores particularly well against the retreat. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and White scores slightly better overall in practice.