Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.g3 Nf6 7.Bg2 Be7 8.O-O O-O

ECO D34

The Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation is a chess opening line in the Tarrasch Defense complex, reached after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.g3 Nf6 7.Bg2 Be7 8.O-O O-O.

It is catalogued under code D34 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move O-O is chosen by Black on move 8.

10 named continuations branch from this position, including the Advance Variation and the Bogoljubow Variation.

Named variations

• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Advance Variation — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Bogoljubow Variation — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Carlsbad Variation — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Chandler Variation — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Classical Tarrasch Gambit — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Endgame Variation — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Main Line — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Petursson Variation — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Réti Variation — ECO D34
• Tarrasch Defense: Classical Variation, Spassky Variation — ECO D34

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Opening Tricks Hall of Fame course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.