QGD Tarrasch: von Hennig-Schara Gambit, 5.Qxd4
QGD Tarrasch: von Hennig-Schara Gambit, 5.Qxd4
Definition
The von Hennig-Schara Gambit is an aggressive pawn sacrifice for Black within the Tarrasch Defence to the Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD). After the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 cxd4 5.Qxd4, White accepts the gambit by capturing the advanced d-pawn with the queen. Black concedes material to gain rapid development and central pressure, hoping to exploit the temporarily exposed white queen.
Typical Move-order and Key Position
Principal line up to the critical position:
- 1.d4 d5
- 2.c4 e6
- 3.Nc3 c5 (Tarrasch Defence)
- 4.cxd5 cxd4 (introducing the gambit)
- 5.Qxd4 Nc6
- 6.Qd1 (or 6.Qa4/6.Qe4) …
After 5…Nc6 the board features:
Strategic Themes
- Black’s Compensation – Lead in development, open c- and e-files, and rapid piece activity aimed at c4, d4 and e3.
- White’s Task – Consolidate the extra pawn, avoid falling behind in development, and neutralise Black’s initiative by safe queen retreats (Qd1, Qa4, Qe4) followed by Nf3, e3, and exd4 (if possible).
- Imbalanced Pawn Structure – If Black later recaptures on d5 or d4, an isolated d-pawn or hanging pawns often arise, shaping middle-game plans.
- Timing of …e6-e5 – A thematic break that can free Black’s position or, if mistimed, leave enduring weaknesses.
Historical Context
The gambit is named after two German masters, Curt von Hennig and Heinrich Schara, who analysed and played it in the early 20th century. Its inclusion inside the Tarrasch Defence makes it one of the rare double-gambit ideas in the usually solid QGD family. Although theoretically risky, it has sporadically appeared in master practice whenever Black seeks surprise value.
Illustrative Examples
-
L. Steiner – E. Lasker, Budapest 1926
After 5.Qxd4 Nc6 6.Qd1 d4! Lasker whipped up a powerful
initiative, sacrificing a second pawn to open lines.
Black eventually regained material and won a model attacking game, demonstrating the gambit’s venom when White over-extends. - H. Korchnoi – M. Beliavsky, Soviet Ch. 1978 White chose the solid 6.Qd1, later returning the pawn for development. The struggle clarified into an isolated d-pawn ending that Korchnoi converted, indicating that precise defence can blunt Black’s compensation.
Practical Tips
- After 5.Qxd4, 6.Qd1 remains the most reliable retreat, cutting tactical tricks on g1–a7 and allowing easy development.
- If White tries 6.Qa4, Black may get extra tempi by ...Bd7 and ...Nb4 aiming at c2 and d3.
- Black players should memorise forcing sequences beginning with …Nc6, …Nf6, and sometimes …Be6 to maintain momentum.
- A well-timed queen trade (…Qxd4) can neutralise White’s extra pawn and transform the position into a dynamic IQP middle-game where Black’s pieces are better placed.
Interesting Facts
- The gambit is occasionally dubbed “the poor man’s Benkö” because Black sacrifices a c-pawn for activity on the queenside much like in the Benkö Gambit, but arrives there from a 1.d4 d5 opening.
- World Champions from Capablanca to Carlsen have encountered the gambit in blitz or rapid, often sidestepping it with 4.e3 or 5.Nf3 to avoid theoretical battles.
- Modern engines give White a small plus (≈+0.40) after perfect play, yet practical results hover close to 50 %, testifying to its surprise value.
Why Study This Line?
For club players, the von Hennig-Schara Gambit offers Black a fighting alternative to the well-trodden main lines of the QGD, while teaching themes of initiative versus material. For White, knowing the key defensive setups prevents early disasters and converts the extra pawn into a long-term end-game edge.