Queens Gambit Declined: Three Knights Semi-Tarrasch
Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD)
Definition
The Queen’s Gambit Declined is one of the oldest and most respected responses to 1. d4. It arises after the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6. By refusing to capture the c-pawn (…dxc4 would be the Queen’s Gambit Accepted), Black keeps a central pawn on d5 and maintains a solid, symmetrical pawn structure.
How it is used
- Classical main line: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 h6, etc.
- Exchange Variation: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. cxd5 exd5, leading to Carlsbad structures and minority attacks.
- Modern choices: 3. Nf3 and 3. g3 systems add flexibility for White; Black can respond with …Be7, …c6 (Slav–like) or the dynamic Semi-Tarrasch (…c5).
Strategic significance
The QGD epitomizes classical chess principles: rapid development, central control, and sound pawn structure. Because Black keeps the d-pawn where it is, kingside safety and long-term piece activity are prioritized over immediate material gains.
Historical notes
- Steinitz–Chigorin, World Championship 1889: early high-level appearance.
- Capablanca’s favorite: The future world champion used the Orthodox QGD as a virtually unbreakable wall in the 1920s.
- Karpov & Kasparov duel: Numerous World-Championship games (1984–1990) featured the QGD.
Illustrative example
In this “Orthodox” setup, Black’s light-squared bishop is temporarily passive, yet the position is famously resilient.
Interesting facts
- Opening code family: ECO D30–D69.
- The pawn structure after …dxc4 and a later e2-e4 resembles a reversed French Defense.
- The QGD continues to appear at elite level; Magnus Carlsen used it to hold comfortably against Ian Nepomniachtchi in the 2021 World Championship.
Three Knights Variation of the QGD
Definition
The Three Knights Variation (ECO D37) occurs after:
- 1. d4 d5
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nc3 Nf6
- 4. Nf3
At this point White’s knights sit on c3 and f3, while Black’s king’s knight is on f6—hence “three knights.” Black has not yet committed his queen’s knight, keeping options such as …c5 (Semi-Tarrasch), …Be7 (Orthodox lines), or …Bb4 (Ragozin) open.
Usage and typical plans
- White keeps pieces flexible, often intending Bg5 or e2-e3 followed by Bd3 and 0-0.
- Black decides between solidity (…Be7, …0-0) or counter-punching (…c5, …Bb4).
Example branching
After 4…c5 we transpose to the Semi-Tarrasch. If Black prefers the Orthodox line, 4…Be7 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 0-0 arises.
Historical tidbits
- Used by Bobby Fischer as White against Tigran Petrosian (Zürich 1959) to avoid Petrosian’s Gruenfeld preparations.
- Modern grandmasters such as Anish Giri employ 4.Nf3 to sidestep heavily-analysed Catalan setups.
Sample mini-game
The resulting position shows balanced chances: White enjoys a space edge; Black has the bishop pair and no weaknesses.
Semi-Tarrasch Defense
Definition
The Semi-Tarrasch (ECO D40–D42) is a dynamic counter to the Queen’s Gambit initiated by:
- 1. d4 d5
- 2. c4 e6
- 3. Nc3 Nf6
- 4. Nf3 c5
Black strikes the center with …c5 without first playing …dxc4 as in the Tarrasch Defense proper. The adjective “semi” reflects that Black’s d-pawn remains on d5, so the structure is less airy than the full Tarrasch and the isolani (isolated d-pawn) often appears only later.
Main ideas
- Piece activity: Black accepts an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) or hanging-pawn structure in return for open lines.
- Flexibility: Black keeps the option of …exd5 in reserve, sometimes reaching a symmetrical pawn structure instead.
- White’s goals: Maintain the central tension, exploit potential weaknesses of an eventual IQP, or transpose to a favorable endgame.
Critical variation
5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bg5 Nc6 7. e3 cxd4 8. Nxd4 leads to the quintessential Semi-Tarrasch middlegame: an isolated pawn on d5 versus White’s compact structure.
Classic example
Kasparov – Portisch, Linares 1989
Kasparov demonstrated how active piece play can fully compensate for the isolated pawn, eventually mounting a kingside attack.
Interesting facts
- Named after Siegbert Tarrasch but refined by Akiba Rubinstein, who preferred it to the riskier full Tarrasch.
- Was a key battleground in the Kramnik–Topalov 2006 unification match; game 9 saw a Semi-Tarrasch where Kramnik equalised effortlessly with Black.
- The Semi-Tarrasch allows Black to meet 5. Bg5 with the forcing 5…cxd4, avoiding the pin that plagues many QGD lines.