Queens Gambit Declined: Tartakower Makogonov Exchange

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower-Makogonov Exchange Variation

Definition

The Queen's Gambit Declined (QGD) Tartakower-Makogonov Exchange Variation is a branch of the classical Queen's Gambit Declined. It arises after Black adopts the Tartakower (or Tartakower–Bondarevsky) set-up with …b6 and …Bb7, and White clarifies the central tension with cxd5 followed by exd5, creating symmetrical pawn structures and a rich maneuvering battle.

Typical Move-order

One of the most common sequences is:

• 1. d4 d5
• 2. c4 e6
• 3. Nc3 Nf6
• 4. Nf3 Be7
• 5. Bg5 h6
• 6. Bh4 0-0
• 7. e3 b6  (The Tartakower set-up)
• 8. cxd5 exd5  (The Exchange)

At this juncture we have reached the Makogonov Exchange Variation. The position is mirrored in the centre (pawns on d4/d5 & e3/e6), with open e-files for both players to contest.

Strategic Themes

• Minor-Piece Tension: White often keeps the dark-squared bishop on h4 to exert latent pressure on d8–h4 diagonal, while Black aims for …Ne4 or …c5 to challenge it.
• Queenside Pressure vs. Central Control: Black’s …b6 & …Bb7 bolster the d5-pawn and prepare …c5 breaks. White counters with Rc1, Bd3, and sometimes a timely Qa4 or Qb3.
• Open e-file: Because both e-pawns have moved, the e-file becomes a major highway for rooks and tactical motifs on e6/e3 squares.
• Knight Outposts: After …Ne4 or Nd2-f1-g3, each side strives to plant a knight on e4 or f5 respectively.

Historical Background

The variation is named after three celebrated Soviet chess figures:

1. Saviely Tartakower – introduced …b6 & …Bb7 ideas into the QGD in the 1920s-1930s, adding flexibility and counterplay.
2. Vladimir Makogonov – refined the positional treatment in the mid-20th century, favouring the symmetrical Exchange structure to showcase maneuvering skill.
3. Bondarevsky (occasionally referenced) – further analysed the line with Botvinnik.

World champions from Botvinnik to Karpov and modern stars like Kramnik, Anand, and Carlsen have all employed the Tartakower-Makogonov Exchange at the highest level, attesting to its enduring soundness.

Illustrative Game

The following miniature PGN shows a textbook plan for White, featuring central pressure and a kingside initiative.

(Kramnik – Anand, Dortmund 2001, shortened for demonstration.) Note how the exchanged c-pawn gives White access to e5/f4 outposts, while Black’s queenside bishop remains slightly passive.

Typical Plans

• White:
  • Pressure the e-file with Re1, Qe2, doubling rooks.
  • Maintain the Bg5/Bh4 pin or trade on f6 to weaken Black’s pawn structure.
  • Expand on the kingside with Ne5, f4-f5, or g4 in some lines.
  • Use minority attack b2-b4-b5 if Black delays …c5.
• Black:
  • Break with …c5 (sometimes …cxd4 first) to free the position.
  • Centralize with …Ne4, exchanging minor pieces to relieve pressure.
  • Coordinate rooks on the c- and e-files for counterplay.
  • Watch for tactical shots on the long diagonal a8-h1 after …Bb7 and a later …dxc4.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The variation is a favourite of positional aficionados because nothing is forced; engines evaluate the starting position around 0.00, yet results between grandmasters are highly decisive.
• Vladimir Makogonov used the line to hold a plus score versus Botvinnik in their 1940s encounters, a rare achievement against the future World Champion.
• Karpov famously relied on the Tartakower system (both with and without the Exchange) in the 1984 World Championship match versus Kasparov, demonstrating its resilience in marathon play.

When to Choose This Variation

Opt for the Makogonov Exchange if you enjoy:

1. Maneuvering battles where pawn breaks must be timed precisely.
2. Symmetrical structures that reward strategic understanding over rote memorisation.
3. The comfort of Black’s solid pawn chain without conceding the bishop pair too early — or, from White’s side, a small space edge plus stable outposts.