Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense
Black challenges the center immediately with the c-pawn. Exchanges can leave an isolated black d-pawn, which may support active pieces but also needs protection in a simplified position.
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.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
Sign in to practiceComplete all 6 practices across both colors for one lesson completion. Replaying a completed lesson earns no additional leaderboard completion.
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.