Theoria
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Tarrasch Defense

Classical Variation, Main Line

D34positional

  1. 1.d4d5
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.Nc3c5
  4. 4.cxd5exd5
  5. 5.Nf3Nc6
  6. 6.g3Nf6
  7. 7.Bg2Be7
  8. 8.O-OO-O
  9. 9.Bg5cxd4
  10. 10.Nxd4h6
  11. 11.Be3Re8
45 games56%42%

Central position of the Tarrasch Defense's Carlsbad line, where Black's rook goes to e8 and White presses the isolated d5-pawn, usually with 12. Rc1.

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About the Main Line

This is the central position of the Carlsbad Variation. After 10...h6 drives the bishop back to e3, 11...Re8 places the rook on the half-open e-file behind the isolated d5-pawn. White's usual reply is 12. Rc1, taking the open c-file; then 12...Be6 is the Chandler Variation. The alternatives are 12. h3, which keeps Black's bishop off g4, and 12. Nxc6. The engine gives White a slight edge.

Popular continuations