Play the Semi-Tarrasch! Part 1

The Semi-Tarrasch Defence to the Queen's Gambit arises after 1.d5, Nf6; 2.c4, e6; 3.Nf3, d5; 4.Nc3, c5; or 1.d4, d5; 2.c4, e6; 3.Nc3, Nf6; 4.cxd5, Nxd5; and has been used by World Champions such as Alekhine, Fischer, Tal Spassky, Petrosian and Kramnik.

It leads to positions with an unbalanced pawn structure, leading to a battle more strategic than tactical in nature, where computer preparation is less likely to be a decisive factor in the game.

Part 1 of this 2 volume series starts with the position after 1.d4, d5; 2.c4, e6; 3.Nc3, Nf6; 4.cxd5, Nxd5; 5.e4, Nxc3; 6.bxc3, c5; one of the key positions for the Semi-Tarrasch player. Part 2 will examine White's alternatives to 5.e4.