1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Queen's Gambit Declined, Harrwitz Attack
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bf4ECO D37
White develops the queen's bishop actively to f4 (rather than g5), a fashionable, flexible QGD line that keeps a firm grip on e5 and avoids the pin. Solid and strategically rich, the Harrwitz has become a top-level main try for a small, lasting edge.
Key ideas
- 5.Bf4 develops the bishop outside the pawn chain and controls e5, supporting a later Ne5 or a central push.
- Black frees the game with …dxc4 and …c5 or …Nbd7 and …c5; the fight is over the e5-square and the c-file.
- It's a modern, low-risk way to play for an edge against the Queen's Gambit Declined.
Who it suits
1.d4 players who want a flexible, fashionable QGD line for a small, durable pull.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Queen's Gambit Declined, Harrwitz Attack move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer