Tartakower Defense - QGD System

Tartakower Defense (sometimes called the Tartakower–Makogonov–Bondarevsky System)

Definition

The Tartakower Defense is a respected branch of the Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD). It arises after the moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 h6 6. Bh4 0-0 7. Nf3 b6. Black voluntarily weakens the dark–squared complex (…b6 and …Bb7) to obtain dynamic counter-play based on rapid piece activity and central tension.

Main Line Sequence

A typical continuation illustrating the plan of both sides is:

• White creates structural pressure with cxd5 and aims at the e4 square. • Black’s setup featuring …b6, …Bb7, and often …Nbd7 or …c5 seeks harmonious development and long-term piece activity.

Strategic Themes

• Flexible Center: Black delays an immediate …c5, keeping tension with …d5 vs. White’s pawn on d4.
• Dark-Square Bishop: The fianchettoed Bb7 eyes the central/e4 break. This bishop often becomes the strongest minor piece in the position.
• Minor-Piece Imbalances: After the routine exchange Bxe7 Qxe7, Black retains the bishop pair—an asset in positions that later open up.
• Endgame Soundness: Unlike some sharper QGD lines, pawn structure remains solid; many elite players adopt the Tartakower to equalize safely while retaining winning chances.

Historical Background

Named after the flamboyant Polish-French grandmaster Savielly (Xavier) Tartakower, who championed the idea in the 1920s. • It gained renewed popularity when Soviet theoreticians Makogonov and Bondarevsky enriched its theory, hence the extended name. • World Champions such as Botvinnik, Smyslov, Kasparov, and more recently Carlsen have employed it.

Famous Games

• Botvinnik – Capablanca, AVRO 1938: Botvinnik used 8.cxd5 and later a minority attack; Capablanca steered the game to a draw, showcasing the defense’s solidity.
• Kasparov – Anand, PCA Candidates 1994: Anand equalized comfortably with accurate …c5 breaks, demonstrating modern handling.
• Carlsen – Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2012: Aronian unleashed an exchange sacrifice on c5 characteristic of Tartakower dynamism and eventually won.

Typical Plans for Each Side

1. White
   • Minority attack with b4–b5 after preparing with a4, Rb1.
   • Central pressure: place a knight on e5, double rooks on the c-file.
   • Exploit dark-square weaknesses created by …b6.
2. Black
   • Break with …c5 (static) or …e5 (dynamic) at the right moment.
   • Use the bishop pair in semi-open positions.
   • Prepare an eventual kingside expansion with …f5 when central tensions resolve.

Common Tactical Motifs

• …dxc4 deflection: capturing on c4 to open the b7–e4 diagonal.
• Exchange Sacrifice …Rxc3: Black liberates the position, activates pieces, and aims at the white king.
• Breakthrough …e5 coupled with …Nbd7 to open lines for the queen and bishops.

Interesting Anecdotes

• Tartakower famously quipped, “The winner of the game is the player who makes the next-to-last mistake.” In his own defense, however, he made surprisingly few mistakes, using it to upset contemporaries who expected the more pedestrian Orthodox QGD.

• During the 1972 Fischer–Spassky World Championship match, seconds on both sides analyzed the Tartakower as a potential surprise weapon for Black, though it never appeared on the board.

When to Choose the Tartakower

Prefer this defense if you enjoy:

• Solid yet flexible pawn structures.
• The bishop pair and endgame pressure.
• Strategic maneuvering sprinkled with well-timed tactical breaks.

Players who dislike cramped positions or prefer immediate clashes may find it too “classical.”

Quick Reference

Opening code: ECO D58–D59
Core position reached after 7…b6
Key concept: Dark-square control via Bb7 + timely …c5/e5.