Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense
Black develops both kingside knights before challenging with the c-pawn. A knight recapture may avoid an isolated pawn in some lines; compare the resulting central pieces rather than assuming every Tarrasch structure is identical.
Your plan as White
Use c4 to challenge d5; compare exchanging on d5 with maintaining central tension.
The opponent’s plan
Support the center with ...e6 and solve the light-squared bishop's development before becoming cramped.
Watch out: Releasing the central tension changes the pawn structure. Choose a plan before exchanging automatically.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
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Name, background and sources
The Queen's Gambit family appears in the Göttingen manuscript, dated around 1490. The Declined branch keeps Black's central pawn supported instead of accepting the offered c-pawn.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.