Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Levenfish Variation position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.Qe2 Qe7 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.e4. White: pawn on c4, pawn on e4, knight on c3, bishop on d3, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, queen on e2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, bishop on c1, rook on f1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, bishop on c8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, queen on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on c6, pawn on e6, knight on f6, bishop on c5, pawn on d5.
Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Levenfish Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.Qe2 Qe7 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.e4. It is classified D40 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Queen's Gambit Declined meets 1.d4 d5 2.c4 by supporting the d5 pawn with e6 rather than capturing. It is one of the most respected defences in chess, chosen in world championship matches for over a century because it gives Black a rock-solid centre that is very hard to break down.
Strategic character
Black shuts in the light-squared bishop with e6 in exchange for a stable centre. The recurring strategic themes are freeing the position with c5 or e5, and the minority attack, where White advances the queenside pawns to create a weakness in Black's structure.
Who should play it
Players who want a dependable answer to 1.d4 and are comfortable in classical positions where small structural advantages decide the game.
This line is a variation within the Queen's Gambit Declined family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.Qe2 Qe7 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.e4.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Levenfish Variation?
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Levenfish Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.Qe2 Qe7 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.e4. It is classified D40 in the ECO system. The Queen's Gambit Declined meets 1.d4 d5 2.c4 by supporting the d5 pawn with e6 rather than capturing. It is one of the most respected defences in chess, chosen in world championship matches for over a century because it gives Black a rock-solid centre that is very hard to break down.
What are the moves of the Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Levenfish Variation?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.Qe2 Qe7 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.e4. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Levenfish Variation good for beginners?
Players who want a dependable answer to 1.d4 and are comfortable in classical positions where small structural advantages decide the game.