TMB System — Queen’s Gambit Declined
Queen’s Gambit Declined – Tartakower–Makogonov–Bondarevsky System
Definition
The Tartakower–Makogonov–Bondarevsky System (often shortened to the Tartakower or simply “TMB” System) is a solid yet flexible way of meeting the Queen’s Gambit after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 h6 6. Bh4 0-0 7. Nf3 b6. The key identifying moves are Black’s prophylactic …h6 (pushing the bishop to h4 and removing future pins) followed by the fianchetto …b6 & …Bb7. This structure gives Black a rock-solid centre, latent pressure on the long diagonal, and multiple break chances with …c5 or …e5.
Typical Move Order
The sequence below is the most common entry, but the same position can be reached through many transpositions:
- 1. d4 d5
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nc3 Nf6
- 4. Bg5 Be7
- 5. e3 h6 – the Tartakower idea begins
- 6. Bh4 0-0
- 7. Nf3 b6 – Makogonov’s refinement
- 8. cxd5 Nxd5
- 9. Bxe7 Qxe7 (or 9…Nxe7) – Bondarevsky’s modern move order
Strategic Themes
- Patience & flexibility. Black refuses early pawn grabs, keeps a healthy pawn structure, and chooses when to strike in the centre.
- The Dark-Squared Bishop. After …b6, Black’s bishop often lands on b7 (or occasionally a6), exerting long-range pressure on e4, d3, and the queenside.
- Breaks with …c5 or …e5. Timing these pawn thrusts is the main middlegame challenge; sometimes Black even plays both.
- Minor-piece play. The early …h6 means the g5-bishop is already committed and can become a target after …Ne4, …f5, or …g5 depending on circumstances.
- Endgame reliability. The structure with pawns on d5 & e6 and a fianchettoed bishop generally gives Black a safe king and few weaknesses, making the variation popular among players who like technical endgames (e.g., Karpov, Kramnik).
Historical Notes
• Savielly Tartakower first experimented with the early …h6 & …b6
at Carlsbad 1929.
• Vladimir Makogonov, a Baku-based theoretician, deepened the plan with
subtle manoeuvres like …Nbd7-f8-g6 in the 1940s.
• Igor Bondarevsky (co-trainer of Boris Spassky) streamlined the modern
move order with 9…Qxe7, removing tactical drawbacks and becoming the main line by the 1960s.
• World Champions Botvinnik, Petrosian, Karpov,
and Kramnik all employed the system in title matches, cementing its high-level
reputation.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Botvinnik used the line to equalise smoothly—and later win—against David Bronstein in the 1951 World-Championship match (Game 18):
The game featured all the system’s hallmarks: Black’s king safety, the long-diagonal bishop, and a timely …c5 break that freed his position. Eventually Botvinnik’s passed pawns decided the endgame.
Modern Relevance
Engine analysis has only strengthened the Tartakower’s standing: in countless cloud & correspondence games it scores reliably for Black. In classical chess it remains a staple of solid repertoires:
- Kramnik – Anand, WCh 2008 (Games 3 & 5) both featured the system.
- Ding Liren, Fabiano Caruana, and Wesley So have all defended it successfully in elite tournaments since 2017.
Typical Plans for Each Side
For White:
- Occupy the centre with e4 if possible, sometimes supported by Qc2 & Rd1.
- Pressure d5 via Bd3, Qe2, and sometimes Ne5 or Nb5.
- Queenside minority attack (b4-b5) when the centre is locked.
For Black:
- Break with …c5 or …e5 only when development is complete.
- Centralise rooks to c8 & d8; trade the “bad” light-squared bishop via …Ba6 when convenient.
- Transfer a knight to e4, f6, or g6 to hit White’s bishops.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The system is jokingly called the “Tartar-Mak-Bond” among theoreticians—a nod to James Bond, because Black’s position is “licensed to hold.”
- When Garry Kasparov prepared for his 1984 match with Karpov, he spent two entire training camps trying to “crack” the Tartakower, unsuccessfully—so he chose the Open Catalan instead.
- A famous engine vs human encounter, “Kasparov vs Deep Blue 1997 Game 2,” saw the computer adopt the TMB structure and ultimately outplay the champion, highlighting how well the line suits precise, tactical defence.
Why Study This System?
• Provides a nearly universal reply to 1. d4 at all time controls.
• Teaches the art of prophylaxis—identifying and neutralising an opponent’s threats before
they arise.
• Offers an endgame-friendly pawn structure with few long-term weaknesses.
• Balances solidity and dynamism, making it ideal for players who want to avoid the
sharpest theory yet still play for a win.
Further Exploration
Players wishing to broaden their understanding can compare the Tartakower with other main Queen’s Gambit Declined defences such as the Lasker Defence, the Cambridge-Springs, or the Orthodox Line. Studying the transpositions will reveal how a single tempo—like …h6—can radically alter middlegame plans.