Tartakower Defense

The Tartakower Defense, also known as the Tartakower–Makogonov–Bondarevsky System (TMB), combines the Neo-Orthodox ...h6, which drives the g5-bishop back to h4, with 7...b6. The point is to develop the problem bishop on b7. In the Orthodox lines that bishop stays behind e6 or is freed with a central exchange. On b7 it bears on the long diagonal and supports d5 and the thematic ...c5 break. Black keeps the d5/e6 chain intact and avoids giving up the center with ...dxc4, and the system is regarded as one of the most solid ways to meet 5. Bg5.

White most often clarifies the center at once with 8. cxd5, before the bishop reaches b7. The recapture 8...Nxd5, the Makogonov Exchange Variation, invites minor-piece exchanges and keeps the diagonal open. 8...exd5, the Exchange Variation, gives a fixed structure in which the b7-bishop looks at its own d5-pawn until Black can play ...c5. Quieter alternatives are 8. Bd3 and 8. Be2, and the engine also favors 8. Rc1 and 8. Qb3. It rates the position as roughly balanced, and in online games Black scores slightly better than White.