| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
| 8 | 8 | ||||||||
| 7 | 7 | ||||||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||||||
| 5 | 5 | ||||||||
| 4 | 4 | ||||||||
| 3 | 3 | ||||||||
| 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h |
The variation 3... Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 is called the Semi-Tarrasch Defense. Unlike the regular Tarrasch, Black does not accept an isolated pawn, since he intends to recapture on d5 with the knight (as after 5.cxd5, 5...exd5 has long been known to be dubious after 6.Bg5), but he cedes a spatial advantage to White. The intended recapture with the Nf6 prevents Black from seamlessly transposing to the Semi-Tarrasch if White has played 4. Bg5.
After 4...c5, White usually plays 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e3 or 6.e4, which lead to different types of middlegame play and have attracted the interest of strong players with both colours since the early twentieth century.
The Semi-Tarrasch has ECO codes D40 through D42.
Read more about this topic: Tarrasch Defense
Famous quotes containing the word defense:
“For there is no defense for a man who, in the excess of his wealth, has kicked the great altar of Justice out of sight.”
—Aeschylus (525–456 B.C.)