Tarrasch Defense and Related Openings
Tarrasch Defense
Definition
The Tarrasch Defense is a dynamic response to the Queen’s Gambit beginning with 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5 (or, more often in modern practice, 3…Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5). By voluntarily accepting an isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) on d5, Black seeks active piece play and open lines instead of the solid but often cramped structures of the traditional Queen’s Gambit Declined. It is named after the German grandmaster and theorist Siegbert Tarrasch (1862-1934).
Typical Move Order
One of the most common modern sequences is:
Strategic Ideas
- Black’s IQP grants space and central control but can be a long-term weakness in the end-game.
- Both sides revolve their plans around the critical d4- and d5-squares: White tries to blockade and eventually win the pawn; Black wants to use it as a battering-ram with …d4 or create kingside activity.
- The half-open c-file allows heavy pieces to pressure White’s queenside once the c-pawn is exchanged or advanced.
Historical & Practical Significance
Tarrasch popularised the line in the early 20th century, believing that the activity it generated outweighed structural concessions. Emanuel Lasker, Boris Spassky, and Garry Kasparov later adopted it periodically. Spassky famously used it against Fischer in game 6 of the 1972 World Championship before being out-prepared in a sparkling positional struggle.
Example Game
A model victory for Black’s activity is
Kasparov – Karpov, Linares 1993, where Karpov’s
timely …d4 break demolished White’s centre. Replay:
Interesting Facts
- Despite bearing Tarrasch’s name, he actually disapproved of IQP positions when playing with the pawn, preferring them for the side that blocks it!
- In the ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) the Tarrasch Defense is labeled “D32–D34.”
Two Knights (Two Knights Defense)
Definition
The Two Knights Defense is an energetic counter to 1.e4 that begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6. Black invites sharp play by attacking White’s e-pawn at the cost of allowing possibilities such as 4.Ng5.
Main Branches
- 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5 (Main Line)
- 4.d4 exd4 5.e5 (Modern d4 variation)
- 4.Nc3 (Giuoco Piano transposition)
- 4.Ng5 Bc5!? (Traxler / Wilkes-Barre, the wild gambit)
Strategic Themes
- Initiative versus material: Black often sacrifices pawns for piece activity, especially in the Traxler or Fritz variations.
- King safety: Both monarchs can end up in the centre; accurate calculation is mandatory.
- Development race: Tempo matters more than structure—one misstep can be fatal.
Historical Significance
Played by virtually every world champion at some point, the opening’s romantic reputation dates to the 19th-century games of Paul Morphy. In modern elite play it appears less often, but Kasimdzhanov – Mamedyarov, Biel 2011 showed its viability.
Example Snapshot
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Na5, material is equal, but Black threatens …Nxc4 and …h6. White can choose 6.Bb5+ c6 7.dxc6 bxc6. The board is aflame.
Trivia
- In casual play the Traxler (…Bc5) is known as “the hand grenade.”
- The ECO codes for the Two Knights run from C55 to C59.
Rubinstein (Rubinstein Variation)
Definition
A “Rubinstein Variation” is any line named for Polish-French grandmaster Akiba Rubinstein (1880-1961), renowned for crystal-clear technique. The term usually refers to one of two openings:
1. Nimzo-Indian Rubinstein
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 White solidifies the centre, planning Nf3, Bd3, and 0-0. Ideas:
- Keep flexible pawn breaks (e4, f3) for later.
- Avoid doubled c-pawns by meeting …Bxc3 with bxc3 only after recapture options or tactical reasons occur.
2. French Rubinstein
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 (or 3.Nd2) dxe4 Black trades in the centre early, entering a Caro-Kann-like structure.
- Simplifies and reduces White’s attacking chances.
- Often funnels into equal end-games—true Rubinstein style.
Why It Matters
Rubinstein’s variations embody positional restraint: concede nothing, exploit small advantages, and rely on flawless end-game play—tenets later admired by Capablanca and Karpov.
Memorable Game
Rubinstein – Capablanca, San Sebastián 1911 is a classic Nimzo-Indian Rubinstein where White squeezed a microscopic edge into a win— a victory Capablanca called one of the finest ever played against him.
Fun Fact
- Rubinstein seriously studied hypnotism and once claimed he could win games by “forcing” opponents to blunder—alas, no proof exists!
Prague (Prague Variation of the Tarrasch)
Definition
The Prague Variation is a combative branch of the Tarrasch Defense in which
Black sacrifices a pawn for rapid piece activity, beginning:
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.dxc5 !?
(White grabs the pawn) 6…d4! 7.Na4 Bxc5.
After the dust settles, Black has the bishop pair and a lead in
development, while White must nurse the extra c-pawn.
Strategic Essence
- Black’s …d4 thrust rips open lines before White can castle.
- The light-squared bishop often lands on b4, pinning Nc3 (if present) or checks on b4/a5 to maintain the initiative.
- White’s extra pawn is doubled and backward; converting it is far from trivial.
Origin & Name
Labeled “Prague” after it appeared in several tournaments held in the Czech capital during the 1920s, notably in the games of Karel Treybal and Richard Réti. Although never mainstream at elite level, it remains a potent surprise weapon.
Illustrative Miniature
Chernin – Halász, Budapest 1983 went
Curiosity
- If White declines with 6.g3 (instead of 6.dxc5), the game often transposes to mainline Tarrasch positions—Black players adopt the Prague pawn sacrifice only when the opportunity is ripe.
Classical (Classical Variation)
General Definition
“Classical Variation” is a catch-all label for an opening line that follows the orthodox, time-honoured principles of rapid development, central occupation, and king safety. Many different openings possess a classical branch; what unites them is an adherence to “textbook” development patterns rather than hyper-modern fianchetto systems or early pawn storms.
Representative Examples
- King’s Indian Classical: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5.
- Sicilian Classical: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6.
- Gruenfeld Classical (Petrosian): 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Bg5.
Why “Classical” Matters
- Provides a theoretically sound baseline against which newer systems are measured.
- Ideal for players who value solid structures and understand-based play over razor-sharp theory.
Historical Insight
In the late 19th century Steinitz coined “classical” to describe openings consistent with his positional principles. Even today commentators use the adjective to signal “mainline, no gimmicks.”
Did You Know?
- When databases label a variation “Classical,” it often indicates the oldest branch in ECO coverage—sometimes dating back to the famous match Anderssen – Paulsen, 1862.
Tarrasch Gambit
Definition
The Tarrasch Gambit is an aggressive pawn sacrifice within the French Defense, Tarrasch Variation:
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 !?
White offers the d-pawn (after 6…cxd4) to accelerate development and seize dark-square pressure, banking on the awkward placement of Black’s queen and knight once they recapture.
Key Ideas for White
- Rapid piece activity: Bs on b5 and d3, rooks to e1 and c1.
- Undermining Black’s centre with c4 or Re1 followed by Bb3/Ne5.
- Targeting the weak d5-pawn should Black accept the gambit.
Key Ideas for Black
- Consolidate the extra pawn with …Bd6 and …Nge7.
- Exchange minor pieces to reduce attacking chances.
- Counter-punch in the centre with …Bg4 or on the queenside with …Qb6.
Model Game
Lputian – Van der Sterren, Wijk aan Zee 1990 featured 6…cxd4 7.0-0 Bc5 8.Nb3 Bb6 9.Nbxd4 Nge7. White’s initiative eventually netted a full point after a middlegame kingside assault.
Practical Value
Although not entirely sound—Black can equalise with precise play—the gambit is an excellent surprise weapon and a favourite at club level where defensive accuracy is scarce.
Trivia
- Some databases list the Tarrasch Gambit under ECO code C03.
- Siegbert Tarrasch reportedly recommended it as “an opening for the impatient optimist.”