Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Stoltz Variation position after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Nf6 7.O-O Be7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Bg5 Be6 10.Rc1 b6. White: bishop on g5, pawn on d4, knight on c3, knight on f3, pawn on g3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on e2, pawn on f2, bishop on g2, pawn on h2, rook on c1, queen on d1, rook on f1, king on g1. Black: rook on a8, queen on d8, rook on f8, king on g8, pawn on a7, bishop on e7, pawn on f7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on b6, knight on c6, bishop on e6, knight on f6, pawn on c5, pawn on d5.
Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Stoltz Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Nf6 7.O-O Be7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Bg5 Be6 10.Rc1 b6. It is classified D34 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white 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.Nf3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Nf6 7.O-O Be7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Bg5 Be6 10.Rc1 b6.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Stoltz Variation?
The Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Stoltz Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Nf6 7.O-O Be7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Bg5 Be6 10.Rc1 b6. It is classified D34 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: Tarrasch Defense, Stoltz Variation?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Nf6 7.O-O Be7 8.Nc3 O-O 9.Bg5 Be6 10.Rc1 b6. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Queen's Gambit Declined: Tarrasch Defense, Stoltz 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.