Tarrasch Defense, Pseudo-Tarrasch

The Pseudo-Tarrasch, also called the Pseudo-Tarrasch Defense, arises when Black answers 3. Nf3 with the Tarrasch break 3...c5 rather than 3...Nf6. White's choice of 3. Nf3 over 3. Nc3 prepares kingside castling and keeps options such as a Catalan setup open, but it does not stop Black from challenging d4 straight away. The aims match the main Tarrasch: free play for the c8-bishop, half-open files, and active pieces in exchange for the likelihood of an isolated or hanging d-pawn.

White has three main replies. 4. cxd5, the most popular, resolves the central tension at once. 4. Nc3 is almost as common and brings the game back toward the Tarrasch Defense proper, while 4. e3 is a quieter option that keeps the pawn structure flexible and puts off any early commitment. The engine gives White a slight edge, and on Lichess decisive games are usual, with White scoring a little better than Black. Because the line is so often reached by transposition, the play that follows depends heavily on familiarity with standard isolated-pawn structures.