Queen's Pawn: Krause, 3.c4
Queen’s Pawn: Krause, 3.c4
Definition
The Krause Variation arises from the Queen’s Pawn Game after the moves
1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4
It bears the ECO code D02 and is named after the German master Carl Krause (early 20th century). By inserting 2.Nf3 before advancing the c-pawn, White postpones commitment to a pure queen’s-gambit structure, only converting to it with 3.c4.
How the Line Is Used
- Transposition Tool: The move order lets White reach classical Queen’s Gambit positions (QGD, Slav, QGA) while side-stepping certain sidelines such as the Albin Counter-Gambit (…e5) or early …Bb4+ ideas available after 1.d4 d5 2.c4.
- Flexibility: If Black deviates with 2…g6 or 2…e6, White keeps the option of a Catalan (3.g3) or London-style setups. Playing 3.c4 commits only once Black’s reply is known.
- Piece Placement: With the knight already on f3, White discourages …Bg4 pins and keeps firm control of the e5-square, influencing Black’s traditional freeing break …c5/e5.
Strategic Themes
- Reduced Counter-Play for Black: The immediate knight development restricts early …c5/e5 breaks and makes the Albinesque …e5 pawn-sac impossible.
- Queen’s Gambit Structures: After 3…e6, play typically transposes to the Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD) but without the topical …Bb4 pin (Ragozin) because Nf3 blocks the queen’s knight from a quick …Nc6-b4 jump.
- Slav & Semi-Slav: 3…c6 leads to the Classical Slav with Nf3 already on the board. While theory is largely the same, some sidelines (e.g. the Winawer 4.Nc3 a6) are ruled out because White can choose clearer routes such as 4.e3 or 4.Nc3.
- Queen’s Gambit Accepted: 3…dxc4 remains fully playable; however, the pre-developed knight lets White recapture on c4 faster with 4.e3 or 4.Nc3, accelerating development.
Historical & Notable Games
The Krause move-order has been a favorite quiet weapon of many classical and modern grandmasters:
- Carl Krause ‑ Various opponents, German events 1920-1930 — first systematic use.
- V. Kramnik vs A. Gelfand, Dos Hermanas 1994 — Kramnik used the move-order to sidestep the Benoni and entered a favorable QGD he eventually won.
- M. Carlsen vs V. Anand, World Championship (Sochi) 2014, Game 8 — Carlsen’s 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 resulted in a solid QGD where he slowly out-manoeuvred the former champion.
- G. Kasparov vs Deep Blue, New York 1997, Game 1 — Kasparov used the Krause move order; the game famously highlighted computer defensive resources in the Slav.
Typical Continuations
After 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4, three major branches arise:
- 3…e6 4.Nc3 (Be7/QGD Main Line) — Transposes to Orthodox Queen’s Gambit Declined.
- 3…c6 4.Nc3 (Slav) — Leads to standard Slav structures, minus some early …a6 systems.
- 3…dxc4 4.e3 (QGA) — White prepares Bxc4 with comfortable development.
Example Mini-Game
The following short illustrative fragment shows typical plans.
White already threatens to capture on d5 or play Rc1/Qe2, while the f3-knight eyes e5. Black’s usual …b6 aims for …Bb7 and …c5, illustrating both sides’ central and minority-attack motifs.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Opening-by-Stealth: Before openings became deeply computer-analysed, grandmasters appreciated the Krause as a “stealth” Queen’s Gambit; opponents who prepared only against 2.c4 lines could be caught off-guard.
- White’s 2.Nf3 Trend: The popularity of early Nf3 ballooned after the rise of the Catalan in the 2000s. Even if White intends 3.c4, starting with 2.Nf3 allows the option of 3.g3, keeping Black guessing.
- Krause’s Legacy: Although Carl Krause never reached world-class status, his name survives specifically through this subtle move-order choice—one of the few instances where an entire variation is credited chiefly for its sequencing rather than a concrete position.
Practical Tips
- For White
- Be ready to transpose: study QGD, Slav, and QGA main lines.
- Use 3.c4 only if you want those structures; otherwise consider 3.g3 or 3.Bf4.
- Exploit the reduced …Bg4 lines by developing Bg5/Bf4 early, or aim for a quick e2-e3 followed by Bd3 and O-O.
- For Black
- Treat 3.c4 just as you would the Queen’s Gambit; your repertoire choice (QGA, Slav, QGD) remains valid.
- Note that some sharper sidelines (Albin, Chigorin) are unavailable; adjust preparation accordingly.
- Consider immediate …dxc4 if aiming for dynamic play—the knight on f3 slightly slows White’s central e-pawn push.
Summary
The Queen’s Pawn: Krause, 3.c4 is less a fresh opening than a clever move-order wrinkle leading to mainstream Queen’s Gambit structures. Its strategic appeal lies in flexibility, avoidance of specific sharp counter-gambits, and subtle positional nuances stemming from the pre-developed knight on f3. Whether you are a Queen’s-Gambit aficionado seeking a practical edge or a defender looking to neutralize White’s claims, familiarity with the Krause Variation is an essential part of modern 1.d4 theory.