QGD: Alatortsev, 5.Bf4 c6
QGD: Alatortsev, 5.Bf4 c6
Definition
The line 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. Bf4 c6 is a branch of the Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD) known as the Alatortsev Variation. The hallmark is Black’s early …c6 instead of the more common …0-0, …Nbd7, or …h6. The move 5…c6 creates a solid “Slav-like” pawn chain (d5–c6–e6) while delaying kingside commitment. Vladimir Alatortsev (1909-1987), a Soviet grandmaster and theoretician, played and analysed the system extensively in the 1930s, hence the name.
Typical Move Order
The variation is usually reached through the main QGD pathway:
- 1. d4 d5
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nc3 Nf6
- 4. Nf3 Be7
- 5. Bf4 c6 (QGD: Alatortsev)
Alternatives on move 5 are 5…0-0 (Orthodox Main Line) and 5…h6 (Lasker Defence ideas). By playing 5…c6 immediately, Black keeps the queen’s bishop on c8 flexible and prepares …dxc4 or …Nbd7 followed by …dxc4 and …b5 in some lines.
Strategic Themes
- Carlsbad structure potential. After an eventual cxd5 exd5, both sides may reach the famous Carlsbad pawn structure, where White usually plays for the minority attack (b4-b5) while Black seeks kingside play or a central break with …c5.
- Delayed kingside development. By not castling yet, Black can react flexibly to White’s central or queenside plans. The light-squared bishop may sometimes go to d6 instead of e7.
- Solid but passive. The early …c6 reinforces d5 but blocks the natural development square c6 for the queen’s knight, which must detour via d7.
- Control of e4. White’s bishop on f4 eyes the b8-h2 diagonal and supports an eventual e2-e4 break. Black often counters with …Bd6, exchanging that bishop, or with …Nbd7–…Re8–…dxc4 to undermine e4.
Plans for White
- e2-e3 & Qc2. A classical set-up reinforcing the bishop and preparing e4.
- Minority attack. After cxd5 exd5, White aims for b4-b5 to weaken Black’s c-pawn.
- C-pawn advance. In some lines White plays c5 early, clamping the queenside and gaining space (similar to the Advance Caro-Kann).
Plans for Black
- Piece exchanges. …Bd6 challenging Bf4, or …Nh5 hitting the bishop if Bd6 is not feasible.
- Central break …c5. After completing development, Black strives for …c5 to equalise space and activate pieces.
- Kingside counterplay. A later …f5 or a rook lift to f6/h6 can appear once the centre is locked.
Historical Background
Vladimir Alatortsev developed the idea of meeting early Bf4 with …c6 and …Nbd7 in the pre-war Soviet tournaments. Although eclipsed for decades by the Tartakower (…h6 & …b6) and the Lasker Defence, the line resurfaced when positional players such as Anatoly Karpov and later Vladimir Kramnik wanted a solid repertoire without memorising the razor-sharp Cambridge Springs (…Qa5) or the critical Exchange Variation theories.
Modern engines rate the position as roughly equal but complex, giving both sides long-term manoeuvring chances.
Model Game
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Kasparov – Karpov, Linares 1993
In this classic, Karpov showcased the resilience of the …c6 structure, eventually steering the game into an equal endgame despite Kasparov’s space advantage.
Example Position to Visualise
After the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. Bf4 c6 6. e3 Nbd7 7. Qc2 0-0 8. Rd1 b6, the board shows:
- Pawns: White – a2,b2,c4,d4,e3,f2,g2,h2; Black – a7,b6,c6,d5,e6,f7,g7,h7.
- Pieces: Knights on c3,f3 (White) and f6,d7 (Black); Bishops on f4,c1 (White) and b7,e7 (Black); both queens on c2,d8; rooks on a1,d1 (White) and a8,f8 (Black).
White enjoys the two bishops and more space on the queenside, but Black’s structure is rock-solid and ready for …c5 at a favourable moment.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Alatortsev served as the arbiter who signed Bobby Fischer’s forfeit in the famous Fischer–Petrosian Candidates’ Match (1971), yet his opening contribution to chess theory is less widely known.
- Magnus Carlsen briefly used the 5…c6 line as Black in online blitz in 2020, commenting that it is “impossible to crack if you know what you’re doing.”
- The variation occasionally transposes into the Semi-Slav if Black later plays …e6-e5 instead of …c5, giving practitioners a dual-purpose repertoire.
- In correspondence chess, engines recommend an early g-pawn push (g4!) for White in certain sub-lines, a sharp idea rarely seen over-the-board.
Summary
The Alatortsev Variation with 5.Bf4 c6 is a quiet yet rich system of the Queen’s Gambit Declined. It appeals to players who value strategic manoeuvring over tactical skirmishes, and its flexibility ensures continued relevance from club level to elite tournaments.