1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Tarrasch Defence
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5ECO D32–D34
Black accepts an isolated queen's pawn in return for free, active piece play and open lines. A principled, combative choice: Black plays for the initiative rather than a passive, solid structure.
Key ideas
- …c5 challenges the centre at once; after the exchanges Black gets an IQP with active pieces.
- The isolani is dynamic — Black's bishops and knights get great squares while it can advance.
- White plays g3 and Bg2 to blockade d5 and target the pawn, aiming to reach a better endgame.
Who it suits
Players who'll take an isolated pawn for activity and enjoy playing with the initiative.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Tarrasch Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer