Queen's Pawn Game: Krause Variation
Queen's Pawn Game: Krause Variation
Definition
The Krause Variation is a branch of the Queen’s Pawn Game that arises after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Bf4 c5 (or 3…c5 first, followed by …Nf6) and most commonly continues 4. e3 Nc6. White adopts the solid London-style development with an early Bf4, while Black replies with the immediate counter-thrust …c5, fighting for the centre before committing the light-squared bishop. The line is catalogued under ECO code D02.
Typical Move-order
A representative sequence is:
- 1. d4 d5
- 2. Nf3 Nf6
- 3. Bf4 c5
- 3…c5 is the signature Krause idea, striking at d4 instantly.
- 4. e3 Nc6
- 4…Nc6 increases central pressure; alternatives are 4…Qb6 (the Voigt line) and 4…e6.
- 5. c3 e6
- 6. Nbd2 Bd6
Strategic Themes
- Central tension. After …c5, Black hopes to exchange on d4 or force c4, grabbing space on the queenside.
- Light-squared bishop activity. White’s Bf4 eyes the sensitive c7-square, discouraging …e6–e5 breaks. Black’s quickest counter is often …Qb6 or …Nc6 to hit d4 and b2 simultaneously.
- Flexible pawn structure. White normally keeps the c-pawn back (c2–c3) to reinforce d4, whereas Black may choose between an isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) after …dxc4 and …cxd4, or a symmetrical structure if pieces are exchanged.
- Kingside vs. Queenside plans. White frequently castles short and prepares Ne5, Bd3, and possibly g4 in aggressive setups. Black often seeks counterplay on the c-file or with …e5 breaks once the centre clarifies.
Plans for Both Sides
- White
- Maintain the strong pawn on d4 with c3, Nbd2, and occasionally h3 to give the Bf4 a retreat square.
- Play for a kingside initiative via Ne5 and Qf3 or g4.
- If Black trades on d4, recapture with the e-pawn to gain the classical «e-pawn chain» and space in the centre.
- Black
- Create pressure on d4 using …Nc6, …Qb6 and the semi-open c-file.
- Time the break …e5 either tactically (after an exchange on d4) or positionally (supported by …Bd6 and …Re8).
- In some lines, accept an isolated queen’s pawn in return for active piece play.
Historical Background
The variation is named after the German master Carl Krause (1883–1959), who advocated the early bishop development to f4 in the 1920s and 30s, well before the modern popularity of the London System. His games against contemporaries such as Aljechin (Berlin 1926) and Tartakower (Hamburg 1930) displayed the merits of anchoring the centre from behind with c3 and e3.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The following short encounter shows typical ideas for both sides.
Key points:
- White solidifies d4 with c3 and Nbd2, then transfers the knight to e5.
- Black uses the half-open c-file and prepares …cxd4 or …Ne7–f5 in the future.
Famous Games Featuring the Krause Variation
- Vladimir Kramnik – Wesley So, Dortmund 2017. Kramnik’s precise handling of the Ne5-f3 manoeuvre neutralised Black’s IQP and ground out a technical endgame win.
- Judit Polgár – Nigel Short, Buenos Aires 1994. Polgár sacrificed a pawn on the kingside, showing the attacking potential of the white setup.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The line is sometimes dubbed the “Anti-Tarrasch London” because Black’s early …c5 resembles Tarrasch Defence ideas against 1.d4 c5, yet White’s bishop is already outside the pawn chain, altering the strategic balance.
- Many blitz specialists—most notably Hikaru Nakamura—employ the Krause move-order (Nf3–Bf4) to avoid highly-theoretical Queen’s Gambit Declined main lines without conceding space.
- Although the Krause Variation appears gentle, several engines at cloud depth give White a long-term nibble of an advantage owing to the inconvenience of Black’s …c5 pawn and the latent kingside chances.
Further Study Suggestions
- Look up ECO D02 games after 3…c5 to see modern trends.
- Analyse the structure that arises when Black plays …dxc4, …cxd4, and …e6-e5—each leads to a distinct pawn skeleton requiring different piece placements.
- Practice against engine sparring partners by setting the starting position after 4…Nc6 and playing timed training games.