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: Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch, 5.cxd5 Nxd5
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5
Description: The Semi-Tarrasch Defense arises after Black challenges White's center with an early ...c5. By recapturing on d5 with the knight (5...Nxd5), Black avoids the isolated queen's pawn structures typical of the Tarrasch Defense and keeps active piece play. This move aims to maintain central tension and rapid development.
Characteristic: The move 5...Nxd5 is characteristic for its flexibility. Instead of accepting a potentially isolated pawn with 5...exd5, Black recaptures with the knight to keep more dynamic options and preserve central influence.
Strategic Nature: For White, the opening is generally attacking, as White tries to capitalize on better development and central control. Black's setup is somewhat defensive but aims for counterplay by challenging the center and activating pieces quickly.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center actively. White holds a strong pawn on d4, while Black contests the center with pieces and the c5 pawn break. The opening is very much about fighting for central dominance.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the QGD: Semi-Tarrasch, 5.cxd5 Nxd5, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #9 white
You can also discover how top players used QGD: Semi-Tarrasch, 5.cxd5 Nxd5 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.