Tartakower Defense, Makogonov Exchange Variation

The Makogonov Exchange Variation arises when Black answers 8. cxd5 in the Tartakower Defense with 8...Nxd5 rather than 8...exd5. The knight recapture offers trades on d5 and e7, eases Black's position and leaves the long diagonal clear for a bishop on b7. It gives up the fixed d5-pawn of the Exchange Variation. White usually exchanges with 9. Bxe7. The alternatives 9. Nxd5 and 9. Bg3 are less common. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and Black scores slightly better in online games.