Tartakower–Makogonov–Bondarevsky System

Tartakower–Makogonov–Bondarevsky System

Definition

The Tartakower–Makogonov–Bondarevsky System (often shortened to “Tartakower System” or listed in ECO as “QGD: Tartakower (Makogonov–Bondarevsky) System,” codes D58–D59) is a cornerstone variation of the Orthodox Queen’s Gambit Declined for Black. It arises after Black adopts the solid plan of ...b6 and ...Bb7 against White’s classical development with Bg5, aiming for long-term piece activity and a reliable route to equality.

A main move order is: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 O-O 7. e3 b6. Black intends ...Bb7, ...Nbd7, and timely ...c5 or ...dxc4 to free the position.

Typical Move Orders

Two common paths into the system:

• Maintain tension:
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 O-O 7. e3 b6 8. Bd3 Bb7 9. O-O Nbd7 10. Qe2 c5
• Early exchange on d5:
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Be7 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 O-O 7. e3 b6 8. cxd5 Nxd5 9. Bxe7 Qxe7 10. Nxd5 exd5 (leading to a Carlsbad-type structure after ...c6)

Note: While many games include 5...h6 provoking Bh4, Black can sometimes reach Tartakower structures without ...h6. The defining feature is Black’s ...b6 and ...Bb7 in the Orthodox QGD setup, not the precise move order.

How It Is Used in Chess

The System is a premium, world-championship-tested solution to 1. d4 for Black. It balances solidity with latent dynamic play:

• ...b6 and ...Bb7 solve the “bad bishop” problem of the QGD by activating the c8–bishop along the long diagonal.
• Black prepares a freeing break with ...c5 (or sometimes ...dxc4 followed by ...c5/…c5–…cxd4), aiming for either an IQP, hanging pawns, or full central liquidation into an equal endgame.
• White chooses between keeping central tension (hoping for space and a kingside initiative) or exchanging on d5 to aim for the classic minority attack in Carlsbad structures.

Core Strategic Ideas

• For Black:
  • Piece placement: ...b6, ...Bb7, ...Nbd7, ...Re8, ...c5 at the right moment. The knight often heads to e4 in lines where White’s bishop sits on h4.
  • Freeing breaks: ...c5 is thematic; watch for ...dxc4 to liberate the light-squared bishop, then ...c5 or ...e5 in some cases.
  • Endgame readiness: Exchanges often favor Black’s structure; many lines liquidate to equal or slightly preferable endgames for the second player.
• For White:
  • Keep tension to restrict ...c5, or exchange on d5 to steer into the Carlsbad structure and launch the minority attack with b4–b5 to create a c6 weakness.
  • Typical setup: Nf3, Bd3/Be2, Qe2, Rd1, Rac1; ideas include dxc5, e4 in some lines, and maneuvering pieces to clamp down on ...c5.
  • Watch the h4–bishop: After 5...h6 6. Bh4, Black’s ...Ne4 ideas can be annoying; be ready for prophylaxis (Bxe7, Bg3, or Qc2) depending on the position.

Example Positions

Model development with the classical tension and the thematic ...c5 break:

Exchange on d5 leading toward a Carlsbad-type plan for White (minority attack) and solid central play for Black:

Historical Significance

Savielly Tartakower popularized the idea of ...b6–...Bb7 as a dynamic antidote to the QGD’s light-squared bishop problem. Later, Soviet greats Vladimir Makogonov and Igor Bondarevsky deepened the theoretical base, hence the triple name. The system has been a reliable weapon at the very highest level—featuring repeatedly in the Karpov–Kasparov World Championship matches (Moscow, 1984–1985), among many other elite contests.

Fun fact: Tartakower, known for his wit, once quipped, “The mistakes are all there on the board, waiting to be made”—a line that fits this variation well: one careless move around the ...c5 break or the minority attack can tip the evaluation.

Common Tactics and Motifs

• ...Ne4 hitting the Bh4–bishop: If White is careless, Black gains time and dark-square control. White often meets this with Bxe7 or Bg3, or timely Qc2.
• The ...c5 timing trick: Tactically justified by piece activity; it can lead to IQP or hanging pawns. If White reacts poorly, Black’s bishops spring to life and the initiative shifts.
• Minority attack patterns: In Carlsbad structures (after cxd5 and ...exd5 with ...c6), White’s b4–b5 strike seeks to create a weak c6 pawn and an entry file on the c-file.
• dxc5/cxd5 decisions: Each capture transforms the structure radically—strong players “wait” until it’s most favorable to them to change the pawn skeleton.

Practical Tips

• As Black, learn the timing of ...c5: prepare it with ...Rc8, ...Re8, ...a6 (vs. Nb5 ideas), and ensure tactics on d5/e6 are covered.
• As White, decide early if you want tension (for central space and kingside chances) or the Exchange/Carlsbad route (for a clear queenside plan).
• Move orders matter: inserting ...h6 can help ...Ne4 and neutralize Bg5 pressure; skipping it can save a tempo but leaves Bg5 more annoying.

Not to Confuse With

The Makogonov name also appears in the King’s Indian Defense: the Makogonov Variation with 6. h3 (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. h3). That is a completely different system. This entry is about the Tartakower–Makogonov–Bondarevsky System in the Queen’s Gambit Declined.

Related

• Queen’s Gambit Declined
• Orthodox Defense to the QGD
• Lasker Defence and Cambridge Springs as alternative QGD set-ups