This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Opening Name: Tarrasch Defense
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 c5
FEN: rnbqkbnr/pp3ppp/4p3/2pp4/2PP4/2N5/PP2PPPP/R1BQKBNR w KQkq - 0 4
The Tarrasch Defense is characterized by Black's early ...c5 pawn break, challenging White's central control immediately. Unlike the classical Queen's Gambit Declined, Black accepts an isolated queen's pawn structure in many lines but gains active piece play and dynamic counterplay.
From Black's perspective, this opening is more dynamic and attacking than purely defensive. Black aims to contest the center actively rather than passively solidify it.
White, on the other hand, typically focuses on maintaining central tension and exploiting Black's isolated pawn weaknesses, often leading to a strategic battle for central dominance.
Overall, the Tarrasch Defense is an opening that directly contests the center, with both sides vying for control. Black's ...c5 challenges White's d4 pawn, making it a fighting choice for central control rather than a purely positional or defensive setup.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Tarrasch Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 44 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Tarrasch Defense to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.