Tree path 3 levels Queen's Gambit Declined: Three Knights Variation › Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense › Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
D41

Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense

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Overview

Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense is a gambit, classified under ECO code D41 within the Closed & Semi-Closed Games family. As with all gambits, one side sacrifices material early — usually a pawn — in exchange for development, open lines, or initiative.

The Closed & Semi-Closed Games group covers closed and semi-closed games — 1.d4 systems characterised by long strategic manoeuvring rather than early tactics.

It begins with 9 plies and takes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 c5 5. cxd5 to reach the canonical position.

It is a variation of Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, which itself descends from the root opening Queen's Gambit Declined: Three Knights Variation.

It branches into 3 notable variations — Endgame Variation, Exchange Variation, Pillsbury Variation.

Together the deeper variations number 5 across the full subtree.

Step through the moves on the interactive board below, review the live Lichess statistics, or play this position against Stockfish at one of six difficulty levels.

ECO code
D41
Group
Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
Plies
9
Parent
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
Direct variations
3
Total in subtree
5

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. A more detailed, human-written description is on the way — and you can speed it up by suggesting one yourself.

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Variations (3)

Show all 5 sub-variations (full subtree)